Pickleball Ireland
Kukri Irish National
Championships
A Smash Hit: Reflecting on the Nationals
As the echoes of intense rallies and enthusiastic cheers fade away, it’s time to reflect on the whirlwind of excitement that was the Kukri Irish Nationals. Hosted by Lisburn Pickleball Club, this event brought together pickleball enthusiasts from every corner of the island for a showdown of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you is owed to Lisburn. Their dedication to the sport and commitment to organising such a seamless tournament is commendable. From securing the venue to meticulously planning every detail, their efforts laid the foundation for an unforgettable event.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the tireless dedication of the volunteers. Whether they were manning the registration desk, ensuring fair play on the courts, or providing refreshments to players and spectators alike, their selfless contributions were the backbone of the tournament. Their passion for pickleball and unwavering support truly made all the difference.
And let’s not forget the sponsors who generously supported the tournament. Their financial backing not only helped cover the costs of hosting such a large-scale event but also added excitement with prizes, giveaways, and other amenities. Their investment in the pickleball community is invaluable and deserves recognition.
As the dust settles and champions emerge, it’s important to remember that the true spirit of the tournament lies not just in competition, but in camaraderie. Players came together to celebrate their shared love for the sport, forging friendships that will last far beyond the final match.
So, here’s to the players who left it all on the court, the spectators who cheered them on, and everyone who played a part in making the Kukri Irish Nationals a resounding success. Your passion and dedication have once again proven that pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s a community, a family, and a way of life. Until next time, keep serving, smashing, and most importantly - keep ballin'!!
Kukri Irish Nationals 2024 - Winners
18+ Mens Singles - Open

Gold
Ben Kasbeer

Silver
Adrían Jimenez

Bronze
Thomas Fitzpatrick
18+ Womens Singles - Open

Gold
Laura Fitzgerald

Silver
Christine Duncan

Bronze
Francie Fitzpatrick
18+ Mens Doubles - Open

Gold
Bobby Fitzpatrick/ Thomas Fitzpatrick

Silver
Ben Kasbeer/
Matt Jessup

Bronze
David Davies/
Jonathan Gibson
18+ Womens Doubles - Open

Gold
Cathy Skea/
Christine Duncan

Silver
Francie Fitzpatrick/ Isabelle Fitzpatrick

Bronze
Clare Faherty/
Kate Tynan
50+ Mens Doubles - Open

Gold
Gareth Neill/
Gavin Noble

Silver
Liam McErlean/
William Thompson

Bronze
George Stephens/
Graham Henderson
50+ Womens Doubles - Open

Gold
Jennifer Stephenson/
Linda Andrews

Silver
Heather Jackson/
Patricia R. Vaqueiro

Bronze
Catherine Gleave/
Julie Nicol
60+ Mens Doubles - Open

Gold
Derrick Murphy/
Stephen Snoddy

Silver
Brian Rodgers/
Hugh Moore

Bronze
John Ferguson/
Paul Clarke
60+ Womens Doubles - Open

Gold
Eileen Carlin/
Una Orr

Silver
Anne Moore/
Marian Mateer

Bronze
Bridget Nodder/
Miriam Egan
18+ Mens Doubles - Intermediate

Gold
Ben Price/
Neal McDowell

Silver
Krisztian Csernus/
Michael Cheung

Bronze
John McCauley/
Ryan McCauley
18+ Womens Doubles - Intermediate

Gold
Aisling Hickey/
Kadie Colbert

Silver
Emma Lundy/
Michelle Mallon

Bronze
Hannah McInerney/
Shauna Burke
50+ Mens Doubles - Intermediate

Gold
Niall Mackey/
Tony Hughes

Silver
Lee Maritz/
Steve Hrebicek

Bronze
John Mooney/
Kieran Mooney
50+ Womens Doubles - Intermediate

Gold
Nina Thompson/
Stephanie Lynas

Silver
Kiyoko Saito/
Niamh Farren

Bronze
Caroline Walsh/
Kathleen McDaid
18+ Mixed Doubles - Open

Gold
Laura Fitzgerald/
Ben Kasbeer

Silver
Francie Fitzpatrick/
Bobby Fitzpatrick

Bronze
Cathy Skea/
Adrian Jimenez
18+ Mixed Doubles - Intermediate

Gold
Gracie Hamilton/
David Davies

Silver
Michelle Mallon/
Ben Price

Bronze
Nicki Wilson/
Gareth Neill
50+ Mixed Doubles - Open

Gold
Linda Andrews/
Graham Henderson

Silver
Julie Nicol/
Patrick Taylor

Bronze
Heidi McCune/
Stephen Campbell
50+ Mixed Doubles - Intermediate

Gold
Kiyoko Saito/
Niall Mackey

Silver
Joan McKeon/
Peter Sheridan

Bronze
Maeve McConnon/
Lee Maritz
60+ Mixed Doubles - Open

Gold
Maggie Hunter/
Stephen Snoddy

Silver
Una Orr/
David Gault

Bronze
Ann Moore/
Tom Quirke