SEVENTEEN teams represented Carlow at the Leinster finals for indoor team events in Longford at the end of April and a wonderful day was had. Huge appreciation to Leinster Community Games and Longford Community Games for their work behind the scenes preparing fixtures and venues and ensuring the smooth running of events.
All Carlow teams had already won county titles in their respective disciplines earlier this year and had also overcome opposition from Wexford in the Leinster quarter-finals played during the first weeks of April.
Great memories were made in Longford to be savoured again many times over. Kindness, integrity and respect were in abundance at all venues and events, which was a pleasure to see.
Participation was key, but Carlow also had phenomenal success and silverware was taken home as follows:
Leinster title in U16 chess (Ballon/Rathoe)
Leinster title in U12 draughts (Bennekerry/Tinryland)
Leinster title in U14 draughts (Bennekerry/Tinryland)
Leinster title in U16 draughts (Bennekerry/Tinryland)
Leinster title in U13 girls’ futsal (Slaney Valley
Leinster title in U13 boys’ futsal (Tullow/Grange)
Leinster title in U15 girls’ futsal (Ballon/Rathoe)
Leinster title in U10 girls’ indoor soccer (Ballon/Rathoe)
Leinster title in U13 boys’ indoor soccer (Graiguecullen)
Silver medals in U13 girls’ indoor soccer (Hacketstown)
Silver medals in U15 boys’ futsal (Ballon/Rathoe)
Silver medals in U16 boys’ basketball (Bagenalstown)
All Leinster gold-medal winning teams now go forward to the All-Ireland finals to be held in venues in Meath and Longford on the last weekend in May.
Also in action in Longford were Graiguecullen’s U11 mixed basketball team, Askea’s U13 girls’ basketballers and Slaney Valley’s U13 boys’ basketball team who all succumbed to Portlaoise opposition. Bennekerry/Tinryland’s U16 girls’ basketball team lost out to the Tullamore opposition on the day. Burrin’s U10 boys’ indoor soccer team narrowly lost out to Mullingar in the semifinal after that game went to extra time.
By Mairéad Breen
Ballon/Rathoe’s U16 chess team are Leinster champions. Pictured with coach Séamus Hogan.
Bennekerry/Tinryland’s U12, U14 and U16 draughts teams overcame opposition from Westmeath, Longford and Wexford to each earn a Leinster title.
Delight as Tullow/Grange are victorious in U13 boys’ futsal.
A Leinster title for Ballon/Rathoe’s U16 futsal team.
Graiguecullen’s U13 boys’ indoor soccer team took top honours in Longford.
Leinster gold medals for Slaney Valley’s U13 girls in futsal.
Ballon/Rathoe’s U10 indoor soccer winners with Olive O’Byrne.
Leinster silver medals for Hacketstown’s Leah Kinsella, Ellie Mae Wybrant, Eve Mcloughin;
(front l-r) Ella Lyons, Charlotte Byrne and Maisie Elliott.
