Mayor welcomes all to Carlow ahead of National Community Game

Mayor of Carlow Paul Doogue has welcomed all participating and their families to the National Cairn Community Games finals in Carlow over two weekends.

The first weekend, which will be held at SETU this coming Satutday and Sunday, where participants and their families from 26 Counties will attend.

Athletics for U/8 to U/16 in all events, plus outdoor teams events will perform in Soccer, football, tag-rugby to mention a few.

The second weekend, which takes place on 5th and 6th September at the grounds of St Patrick’s College, gives children the opportunity to perform on stage in the Visual over the two days. Young boys and girls will take part in Art, make and model, Singing, just to mention a few on the second weekend.

"Over the two weekends an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people will attend the Games," said Doogue.

"We are delighted to have secured the Games in Carlow to the end of 2028," he added. As well as the sporting element to the Games, hosting the event in Carlow is worth millions to the local economy.

While Paul is Mayor of Carlow, he is also Deputy President of National Cairn Community Games and he’s very thankful to Carlow County Council and the LEO for all the support.

Paul has organised an open top bus, along with LEO, and the Chief Executive of the Games.

The bus will run free trips for anyone who wishes to attend and it will be show casing, sites around Carlow.

Tullow St will be have bouncing castles , face painting etc for both weekends and hopefully all will come along and enjoy themselves.

Over 20,000 people from oversseas tune into look at the games every year which will live-streamed and Paul says it’s a great way to showcase Carlow and the wonderful venues we have to run the games.

"Huge work and organising goes into making it the success it is and thanks has to go to staff at SETU, St Patrick’s college , visual, Garda and Carlow County Council.

"None of this would happen without the help and support of all volunteers," he said.