Archive for the ‘Sport’ Category

Pacos De Ferreira Supporters Club – Carlow Branch

September 11th, 2010 by

Carlow interest in Portugese football spiked considerably in recent weeks as news of Padraig Amonds move to FC Pacos De Ferreira progressed from rumour to fact. The strikers rise from underage levels to seniors is well documented but his new club is less well known.

Pacos De Ferreira play in the top tier of the Portuguese Liga alongside familiar teams such as FC Porto, Braga and Benfica. Three games into the season, they occupy mid table having won one and drawn two. Last season they finished tenth (of sixteen) in the league. The club has several lower division honours but at the top level, the highlight of their history would appear to be Uefa / Europa Cup qualification in 2007 and 2009 respectively. They play their home games at the Estadio da Mata Real, a stadium with a slight resemblence to the Tallaght Stadium.

The stadium is located to the West of Portugal, not far from the coast. Getting there from Ireland is reasonably straight forward. Fly to Oporto airport and make your way east, approx 30km, to Pacos De Ferreira.


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With the ease of access I can certainly see myself heading over to a game. I am sure there will be a considreable Carlow contingent heading over throughout the year. Best of luck to Padraig, heres hoping for a successful first season.

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Best pub for a match in Carlow

June 14th, 2010 by


The World Cup is well under way and the vuvuzela is enough to drive any man to the pub. But what pub? What pub is Carlow’s best for watching a match.

A short list below, I will add any other pubs nominated.

What is Carlow's best pub to watch a match?

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Irish bobsleigh team and Carlow athelete to compete in Winter Olympics

February 11th, 2010 by

Any country not of the frozen to partially frozen variety, who competes in bobsleigh tournaments will always conjure up thoughts of the early nineties comedy Cool Runnings. Ireland, believe it or not, has a bobsleigh team. And believe it or not, a Carlow athlete is a member of this team.

Leona Byrne, trained as a promising track and field athlete in the Laurence O’Toole club in Carlow Town. The switch to bobsledding came only a year ago. A spot at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver may have seemed unlikely a year ago, but now it is very much a reality.

However that reality came under threat when the Australian and Brazilian Olympic Committees lodged a complaint regarding the Irish teams qualification. In a story echoing the Ireland / France / Thierry Henry saga, the Austrian team withdrew from the games, leaving one spot free. Ireland had originally taken the 20th and final spot. With Austria gone, Ireland moved to 19th and the 20th spot went to Japan as the best placed team in Asia.

Australia argued that being the best placed team in Oceania, they deserve to be in the competition. Despite the fact that Ireland outperformed the Aussies. It seems an interpretation of the qualification rules meant that unlike the FAI’s complaining to FIFA, the Australian Olympic Committee was successful. The number of teams in the finals was expanded to 21 and both Australia and Ireland will compete at this years Winter Games. Following this ruling, Brazil have also started legal proceedings.

The news tonight is that Ireland’s and Carlow’s interest in the Women’s Bobsleigh at The Winter Olympics is safe. As they said in Cool Runnings, “Im feeling very Olympic today”!

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Sean O’Brien makes Six Nations debut against Italy

February 7th, 2010 by

Ireland began their Six Nations title defence with a 29 -11 win over Italy at Croke Park. The result was never really in doubt but performance wise, there is room for improvement. The game will not live long in the memories of most, but for one man it was a day to remember.

Sean O’Brien from Tullow came on as a late substitute and thereby making his debut in the Six Nations. It was also his first appearance for the senior team at Croke Park. O’Brien replaced John Hayes on 72 minutes, giving him 8 minutes or so of game time.

His performances for Leinster and the Irish Wolfhounds have catapulted him back into contention for a place in the senior squad. Irelands next game is away to France on 13th February. Hopefully another Irish victory and O’Brien appearance to come.

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Things to do in Carlow #1 – Golf

February 4th, 2010 by

For such a small county, Carlow is well served by golf courses. Below is an overview of the golfing options in the County.

Carlow Golf Club

Carlows oldest gold club is ideally situated for those visiting Carlow Town. Located on the Dublin Road, the course is just minutes from the M9 and set in a former deer park. The club hosts both an 18 and 9 hole parkland courses. The Par 70, 18 hole course consists of short fairways, small but slick greens and water hazards. Carlow Golf Club has also recently added a 9 hole course.

Read more here.

Mount Wolseley Golf Club

Mount Wolseley is another golf course in the vicinity of Tullow. The Par 72, 18 hole, parkland course is set on the grounds of an eighteenth century estate. Picturesque lakes and broad fairways characterise this golf course. The course was designed by Christy O’Connor Junior. The course is served by a 4 star hotel and spa.

Read more here.

Killerig Golf Club

Killerig Golf Club is located between the towns of Tullow and Castledermot. The course is less than one hour from Dublin. The course is surround be the Killerig Hotel Resort where you will find 4 star accommodation, a leisure centre, a bar and restaurant. The Par 72 18 hole parkland course was designed by Des Smyth. The course offers many water hazards and stunning scenery.

Read more here.

Leinster Hills Golf Club

Carlow’s newest golf course is located between Leighlinbridge and Tullow. The Par 70, 18 hole, parkland course offers spectacular views of the Wicklow and Blackstairs mountains. The challenging course is open to members and individuals.

Read more here.

Other Courses In Carlow

Golf Club – 9 hole course

St Mullins – Par 3 course

Quinagh House – Par 3 Course

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