Latest news with #IrishDodgeball
RTÉ News
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 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."
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I'm going to get in trouble' says Ireland AM's Tommy as he knocks Muireann straight in her head with ball on live TV
IRELAND AM star Tommy Bowe was worried he'd get "in trouble" after throwing a ball at Muireann O'Connell's head. The Virgin Media hosts were back on air this morning for another fun-filled week on air. 4 Tommy hit Muireann with a ball while playing dodgeball on air Credit: VMTV 4 Muireann was left in stitches on air Credit: VMTV 4 Muireann joked that her last 'three brain cells' were knocked out Credit: VMTV During today's show, the pair ventured outside the studio to the car park to speak with some members of the Irish Dodgeball team. Ireland is hosting the European Dodgeball Championships at the University Sports Arena in Limerick this month. After speaking about the event, And the former rugby player's competitiveness came out as he gave the game his all. read more on ireland am Tommy flung one of the balls at Muireann and it knocked her straight in the head. Muireann shouted out, "Ah", after the ball bounced off her and was left in stitches as she panned to the camera crew and asked: "Did you get that?" One of the players remarked: "He's really going for you, isn't he?" Tommy justified his actions saying: "It's not that sore, I swear." MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN He added: "I'm going to get in trouble." The presenters returned to the safety of the Virgin Media studio after the break. Ireland AM star Eric Roberts shares 'adorable' clip of 'first conversation' with son Tommy tapped Muireann on the head as she welcomed viewers back and said: "I'm wondering if I can actually... the three brain cells I had, you just knocked out with that cock in the noggin. "There's loads still to come in the next hour on Ireland AM." Tommy made a witty joke saying: "Definitely more dodgeball." Muireann replied: "Only with me to lash them out." 'I NEED IT' Tommy teased the next segment saying: "In a few moments. We are getting our brains rewired." Muireann said: "I need it." The iconic duo then sat down with hypnotist Paul McKenna to chat to him about his new book and live show. The author also helped Muireann and Tommy manifest their goals and desires during the segment. 4 Tommy joked that he'd be 'in trouble' after the segment Credit: VMTV
