Community games art finals draws 1,800 to Carlow town
Clara-Belle from the Wobbly Circus helps Pauric Delaney spin and balance a plate
REPRESENTATIVES of 26 counties journeyed to Carlow College and Visual earlier this month to take part in the Cairn Community Games national arts and cultural finals.
More than 1,800 children took part in art, singing, dance, choir, handwriting, model making, recitation, comedy, drama, debating and skittles competitions. They brought with them parents, family members and friends who enjoyed the wide range of activities on show in the centre of Carlow town.
Deputy president of the national community games committee and county councillor, Paul Doogue, was pleased with how the 2026 event was run. “It was a real busy weekend, but it ran exceptionally well. We were very lucky with the weather,” he said. He thanked the large number of volunteers from Carlow who made it all happen.
A new addition to this year’s games, the friendship tent, “has taken off great,” said cllr Doogue. “It’s not all about the children who win the medals, it's also about the ones who want to mix and mingle.”
There were facepainting, circus acts - including a clown on a bike - stilt walkers, a mime artist and juggler, and dancers. Carlow County Council hosted arts and crafts on the lawn which was another attraction.
Paul recalled one 14-year-old from Cavan who had never before taken part in community games and arrived in Carlow to represent his county. His parents were “blown away” about how well the event was run, how well their son was looked after and how friendly everyone was.
Paul got involved with the games 28 years ago when his daughter competed in swimming competitions. All of his four children ended up participating in the games and his wife, Elaine, also became involved. Through his brother, he became involved in the Carlow community games group.
“There’s always room for improvement, there’s always room to develop it more,” said cllr Doogue, as he vies for the presidential position at the upcoming national committee AGM. He is canvassing with the aim of getting more children involved and growing the number of children participating each year from 250,000 to 300,000.
Next year is an even bigger year, as it is the 60th anniversary of the games and the finals will again take place in Carlow town.
