Josef Weiss, later known as Joe in Ireland, was born in 1918 in the newly formed Czechoslovakia, in what is now Trnava, Slovakia. From a young age he showed exceptional talent in table tennis, recalling his first major competition at just 10 years old in the Slovak primary schools championship. His skill and dedication saw him rise through the ranks to become one of the top players in Czechoslovakia while working at a bank.

After escaping the Nazis, he eventually made Ireland his home, where he became one of the country’s most beloved figures in table tennis. His journey from a young Jewish athlete in Central Europe to a respected and admired sportsman in Ireland reflects both personal resilience and a lifelong passion for the game.