Kerry schoolgirls ready to kick off their Gaynor Cup campaign in Limerick
With just a couple of days until the first whistle sounds, on the grounds of the University of Limerick to kick off the 2025 Gaynor Cup, the excitement is certainly building as the Kerry girls begin their odyssey in the prestigious Schoolboys/girls Football Association of Ireland (SFAI) under-14 competition.
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RTÉ News
2 days ago
- RTÉ News
UL hosts European Dodgeball Championships for first time
"Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge!" The five D's of Dodgeball were once made famous by the character of Patches O'Houlohan (played by actor Rip Thorn) in the 2004 hit comedy movie Dodgeball. Twenty-one years later, and the first ever major dodgeball tournament has arrived in Ireland this weekend, and far from comedy, this is serious athletic competition. The tenth edition of the European Dodgeball Championships will see 76 teams, from 21 countries, battle it out across men's, women's and mixed events to claim European honours. The action is taking place at the University of Limerick and is a milestone for the sport, as it will be the first European Dodgeball Championships to include both Cloth and Foam ball formats. Tamas Heitzmann, from the Irish Dodgeball Association, explained why Limerick won the bid. "Irish Dodgeball has long aspired to bring an international tournament to Ireland, and that dream has become a reality. We are thrilled to welcome our dodgeball friends from across Europe and show them what Irish Dodgeball can achieve. "The University of Limerick is an ideal venue for an international sports tournament, with world-class facilities, a vibrant campus, and a strong tradition of hosting major sporting events," he said. Over 600 athletes, along with their trainers, coaches and fans, will compete across the three divisions this weekend. Ireland player, Katie Kinkaid, says the ethos of inclusivity and community is something that draws a lot of people to the sport. "I started playing just after COVID when everything started opening back up again. My partner's been playing for about 12 years, so he got me into it. I came along to a few sessions in Phoenix Park in Dublin and I just loved it." "The team, the camaraderie and getting to play with the boys in mixed games is really interesting. There are not very many sports you get to play alongside the boys. It's very satisfying to hit them with the ball. "We've got people who play for our Dublin team from all over the world, and we all come together and go on trips. We go to tournaments together, we go on holidays. That's really great," she added. Ms Kinkaid says dodgeball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and it's starting to make in-roads in Ireland. "In Ireland, it's kind of up and coming. We've got about 5 or 6 clubs across the country, but in places like England, they've got junior teams, youth teams, university teams coming all the way through. So, it's really, really taking off there." Great fun, serious athleticism and intense competition on show at the European Dodgeball Championships at the University of Limerick today! — Joe Caulfield (@Joe_Caulfield_) June 26, 2025 Ireland is not one of the favourites to win, with previous European men's team winners Northern Ireland and Austria tipped to go deep in the tournament. However, Ireland men's captain John Taaffe is hopeful of their chances. "Look, we're optimistic. I think we're kind of dark horse in the foam division. A lot of people have put us down beforehand, but we're quietly confident in what we can do." An avid athlete all his life, Mr Taaffe explains how he found dodgeball, and what attracted him to the sport. "I'm a bit sports mad and had tried everything like soccer, rugby and GAA growing up. I decided to give something different, a try and after one dodgeball session, I was hooked. That was eight years ago now and I think I've barely missed a week since. It's been fantastic," he said. "I started playing locally in Dublin, and within a couple of years, I was playing for Ireland, going to Madison Square Garden, going to Canada, it brings you all over the world," he added. And, what are Irish captain's thoughts on the movie that brought the sport to the attention of millions around the globe? "It draws people to the sport. Some people try and make a joke out of it, but at the end of the day, it's a fun movie and it's a fun sport. Anything that paints us in a fun light is what we aim for, and it's something we're actually proud of."
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- RTÉ News
European Dodgeball Championship in Limerick
This year's European Dodgeball Championships, taking place at the University of Limerick from the 26th to the 29th of June. RTÉ reporter Joe Caulfield is there for more.
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Irish Post
Call to action as new research reveals barriers to disability sports in Ireland
NEW research has revealed striking inequalities in access to Para sports in Ireland. The report found girls and those who become disabled in later life face more challenging pathways when attempting to access disability sports. The far-reaching study, a collaboration between the University of Limerick and Paralympics Ireland, examined the lived experience of Para athletes and coaches across the country. It found that girls with disabilities begin participating in Para sport nearly a decade later than boys. The finding 'points to a stark gender disparity that limits early engagement' the report authors state. The study also found that individuals with acquired disabilities face significantly more obstacles to participation than those with congenital disabilities. Pictured at the launch (l-r) Dr Seán Healy, research assistant Alan Dineen, Paralympics Ireland COO Neasa Russell, Disability Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Limerick Councillor Frankie Daly, the University of Limerick's Professor Elaine Murtagh and Dr Ian Sherwin (Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile) Despite these challenges, the report highlighted the 'profound impact' of Para sport in improving physical and mental health, fostering independence, and enhancing quality of life for participants. The report calls for better use of the untapped potential of schools, families, and rehabilitation settings as entry points into sport. These environments, the study finds, are 'critical to long-term engagement but remain underutilised'. The research also calls for 'targeted investment in local programmes, increased access to trained coaches, and improved availability of adaptive equipment to create more inclusive sporting opportunities across Ireland'. Ireland's Disability Minister, Hildegarde Naughton attended the launch of the report, titled Gateways & Pathways: Athlete and Coach Experiences of Para Sport in Ireland, at the University of Limerick this month. 'Sport and physical activity is crucial for the health and wellbeing of our society, she said. 'I am a firm believer that all people should have the right to enjoy sport which brings so much to all our lives. 'It keeps us healthy, and it is the backbone of our communities.' She added: 'Despite recent and welcome progress, there remains an enduring participation gap between persons with a disability and those living without such challenges. 'The research we are publishing today will form a critical part of how we will continue to work together, as a government and a sporting community, to break down barriers to sport.' Dr Sean Healy, who was the lead researcher on the project, said that the findings of their study must be a catalyst for change. 'This research is a call to action,' he said. 'By identifying where the system is falling short, we now have the opportunity to reshape how Para sport is delivered in this country.' He added: 'The recommendations offer a clear roadmap for making sport more inclusive, equitable, and impactful for people with disabilities.' Neasa Russell, Paralympics Ireland's Chief Operating Officer, said the findings reinforce what was 'already felt' among the Para sports community. 'This research shines a powerful light on both the barriers and the opportunities within Irish Para sport,' she said. 'It confirms what many in our community have long felt – that access is unequal, especially for girls and for those who acquire a disability later in life. 'But it also highlights the transformative role sport can play when those barriers are removed.' She added: 'Our job now is to act on these findings and ensure that every person with a disability, regardless of gender, age, or background, has a clear and supported pathway into sport. 'That is the vision we are committed to delivering.' Paralympics Ireland and University of Limerick will now begin working with key stakeholders to explore steps to implement the report's recommendations. See More: Barriers, Disability, Ireland, Para Sports, Report
