Council recognises national winners

Council recognises national winners

Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Ken Murnane presents a certificate of recognition to the Tullow/Grange gold medal winners in the U14 tag rugby event in the National Community Games, Also pictured is cathaoirleach of Tullow Municipal District John Pender Photo: Michael O'Rourke Photography

INDOOR soccer, futsal, draughts, quiz, tag rugby, project, athletics, art and dance were some of the competitions that Carlow teenagers excelled in at the all-Ireland community games last summer.

Over 50 gold medallists were awarded with certificates of achievement by cathaoirleach cllr Ken Murnane at a civic reception in the council chamber on Monday 12 January.

The event was promoted by mayor of Carlow, cllr Paul Doogue, who is also deputy president of the national community games board of directors.

Cllr Doogue has been involved in community games for at least 27 years, as the Graiguecullen team chairperson, a Carlow community board member, a Leinster delegate and now as a deputy president. He coaches the swimming team, too. # “I have a passion for the games, I think it means so much to the children,” he said.

Cllr Ken Murnane makes a presentation to Harry Butcher, a gold medalist in the U14 hurdles event in the National Community Games. Also shown is cllr Charlie Murphy
Cllr Ken Murnane makes a presentation to Harry Butcher, a gold medalist in the U14 hurdles event in the National Community Games. Also shown is cllr Charlie Murphy

Cllr Ken Murnane presents Caden Byrne, a gold medalist in the U12 cycling on grass event. Also shown is his father, Adam
Cllr Ken Murnane presents Caden Byrne, a gold medalist in the U12 cycling on grass event. Also shown is his father, Adam

Cllr Ken Murnane with members of the Slaney Valley U10 indoor soccer team
Cllr Ken Murnane with members of the Slaney Valley U10 indoor soccer team

Cllr Ken Murnane with Rachel Minchin, Jack O'Neill, Jack Dargan and Amelia Dunne, gold medalists in the U11 project event
Cllr Ken Murnane with Rachel Minchin, Jack O'Neill, Jack Dargan and Amelia Dunne, gold medalists in the U11 project event

Cllr Ken Murnane with members of the Rathvilly U13 futsal gold medalists
Cllr Ken Murnane with members of the Rathvilly U13 futsal gold medalists

Cllr Ken Murnane with the Graiguecullen U14 quiz team gold medalis; Rian Doyle, Tyler Dargan, Sean Carr, Daniel Scully and Elohor Erhabordeputy. Also pictured is Mayor of Carlow, Paul Doogue who is deputy president of the National Community Games
Cllr Ken Murnane with the Graiguecullen U14 quiz team gold medalis; Rian Doyle, Tyler Dargan, Sean Carr, Daniel Scully and Elohor Erhabordeputy. Also pictured is Mayor of Carlow, Paul Doogue who is deputy president of the National Community Games

Cllr Ken Murnane with to the Slaney Valley team gold medal winners in the U11 tag rugby game
Cllr Ken Murnane with to the Slaney Valley team gold medal winners in the U11 tag rugby game

The fact that 66 children from Carlow won gold medals at the national games held in SETU in August 2025 was a “huge achievement for a small county,” said cllr Doogue. “They’re definitely in the top three counties in the country, punching way above their weight,” he said.

“A lot of work has gone into it over the year, you have to credit the coaches, managers and parents for making the children turn up.” With over 40 different events, he sees the games as “unique”.

Pick up a copy of this week's paper for a full gallery of photos 

More in this section