Our thanks to Dermot O’Brien for this report. If you want to introduce your club or sport to KCLR, simply email [email protected] with KCLR Fanzone in the subject, or phone the sports department at any time on 1890 90 9696.
Four young Carlow squash players, Matthew Downey, Jake Somers, Jamie Stafford and Noah Downey were pipped at the post at the Friendship Cup international club event in Liverpool last weekend. A mere 3 points was the difference between Carlow Junior Squash and Victoria Squash from Rotterdam at the end with Liverpool Cricket Club in 3rd place.
The event has been running for 22 years rotating between Rotterdam, London and Liverpool and last year the Carlow juniors won the event on a count back. Luck wasn’t to be on their side this time out however the four lads took on the 18-strong Dutch and 40-strong English players and really could not have done any more.
The Downey brothers Matthew (U17) and Noah (U13) were sublime, both lads winning their sections having come through their group games. Also winners of their groups were Jake Somers and Jamie Stafford.
The next round draw pitted the Carlow lads together and Matthew took the honours at the expense of the young Ballon native 3/1. The playoff for 2nd/3rd was between Somers and Jamie Stafford with Somers winning 3/0.
Noah was the lone Irish player in his section and he certainly did not let that deter him, he was on fire right from the very first shot and out of 7 matches he remained undefeated. As a result of his efforts Noah was selected as the most committed player of the tournament to add to his over U13 title.
The fourseome put in a tremendous effort for this tournament and it certainly showed how much they have improved both physically and mentally on court.
Next year it’s off to the wonderful fourteen glass-back courts of Victoria Squash in Rotterdam for this group and could they finish in the top 3 for 3 years in a row? I think they can.
Squash coaching and organised play are ongoing at Carlow LTC Squash, if you would like more info please contact Dermot O’Brien 0876431386 also for the StartRight4Sport the very popular kids co-ordination programme which runs weekly.
