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Irish Open Day 4 report

Day 4 of the 2020 Irish Championships meant the commencement of the hotly anticipated Alternate Shot Doubles. A rare chance to watch the elite of Irish croquet (your Johnstons', your Williams') dovetail with the champions of tomorrow in the type of aesthetic croquet that leaves a pleasant aftertaste of ale and victory.

Click title to view Dave's full report on Day 4.

Photo Gallery 2020

Irish Open Day 3 report

Day 3 of the 2020 Irish Championships served forth a feast of Association Croquet. On lawn 1, the formidable father and son partnership of Frank and Christopher Martin procured a favourable 24-18 outcome agin the cherished Irish Times legend Myles McWeeney and his erstwhile partner Ryan Murphy. The double-banking duo of Sandy Greig and Nicola Kelly displayed both steel and strategic cunning in eliminating the inestimable Simon Williams and Patricia Burke despite some clever play by the latter. Click title to view Dave's full report on Day 3.

Photo Gallery 2020

Irish Open Day 1&2 report

The opening two days of the 2020 Irish Championships of Association Croquet have been akin to a starburst of celestial play from the brightest stars in the croquet firmament. The current pandemic has changed life considerably but a resolute crew of the game's staunchest supporters grabbed both mallet and the deis speisialta(special opportunity) to exhibit their talents on a befitting stage.
Outstanding lawns on Day 1, prepared by master agronomist Simon Williams, had some competitors dreaming of the afternoon's Wembley FA Cup centrepiece as the first balls departed A baulk and B baulk at the start of morning's play. 
Click the title to read Dave McGrath's full report.

Championship of Ireland 2020 Open for Entries.

Carrickmines C&LTC announce that they will be able to hold the Irish Croquet Championships between 1st and 8th August this year. Entries are now invited for this event.

The Re-Updated Entry Form is available for download here and shows the 9 Events to be played and the dates for them (note that as for last year the different events are timed for different days). Entry deadline is 26th July.

 

McWeeney Trophy 2020 Cancelled

Due to the exigencies of the Covid 19 pandemic the annual match between CAI and CA has been cancelled and will be played in Dublin next year.

Harry Johnston

Farewell Harry Johnston

It is with deep sadness that I have to report the passing of Harry Johnston. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday 13th May 2020 in Eyrefield Manor Nursing Home, Greystones.

He was a great character in the world of Irish Croquet and was an Honorary Vice-President of the CAI. 

CAI Women In Sport Sub-Committee

A CAI Women In Sport Sub-Committee Formation Invitation 2020 - to all women players

The CAI Council announces the formation of a 1st CAI Women In Sport all-women sub-committee and invites all women players interested to apply directly to WiS Lead nicola.kelly@ucd.ie for a place. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

CAI Croquet Balls For Sale

Dawson 2000 International    

€370.95 /set of 4 balls

Primary and Secondary Colours 

made by The Australian Croquet Co. 

Limited no. of sets available. 

Please contact 086 0488 444 to order

Competition Cancellations

Due to the restrictions in place due to Covid-19, the Championships of Co Dublin and the Home Internationals this year have been cancelled.

Spain - Ireland Women's GC Match Report

CAI and Spanish teams. February 2020The venue for the first ever Spain-Ireland Women’s GC match was the Villa Padierna Racquet club on the Costa del Sol, about 10k from Estepona. There were two excellent croquet lawns surrounded by tennis and padel courts, lots of palm trees and the sound of the waves breaking on the beach about 50 yards away.