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