Bennekerry/Tinryland scoop all four county draughts titles
Bennekerry/ Tinryland's U10 draughts county champions are (back l-r) Cian Bolger, Alex Curry, Seán Keating, Seoidín Breen; (front) Enya Callinan, Maebh Kavanagh and Darcy Donegan.
The draughts county finals saw a record-breaking 21 teams compete this year, marking a new high for participation and enthusiasm in the sport. Among the standout performers were the four teams from Bennekerry/Tinryland, who earned top honours once again this year in all four age categories.
They were pushed hard on the day by the respective runners-up; Tullow/Grange in U16, Slaney Valley in U14, Bagenalstown in U12 and St. Lazerians in U10.
Graiguecullen, St. Mary's, Burrin, Rathvilly and Askea also had tutored contenders in the draughts county finals. The huge turnout in teams highlights the growing talent and interest in draughts across the county.
Board games like draughts are more than just a pastime—they promote strategic thinking, patience, and concentration. For many young players, events like these offer not only a competitive outlet but also a chance to build friendships and confidence.
Bennekerry/Tinryland's county draughts champions, along with 13 other Carlow teams, have now secured their places in the upcoming Leinster Finals in Longford. With such strong representation and enthusiasm, Carlow will head to Longford on Saturday, 26th April with high hopes. If the county finals are anything to go by, the Leinster stage is set for another thrilling round of competition.
Representing Carlow in the Leinster semi-finals in Longford on 26th April are: U10 draughts: Bennekerry/Tinryland U12 draughts: Bennekerry/Tinryland U14 draughts: Bennekerry/Tinryland U16 draughts: Bennekerry/Tinryland U11 mixed basketball: Burrin U13 girls' basketball: Ballon/Rathoe U13 boys' basketball: St. Lazerians U16 girls' basketball: Ballon/Rathoe U16 boys' basketball: St. Lazerians U10 girls' indoor soccer: Slaney Valley U10 boys' indoor soccer: Bennekerry/Tinryland U13 girls' indoor soccer: Ballon/Rathoe U13 boys' indoor soccer: Ballon/Rathoe U13 girls' futsal: Slaney Valley U13 boys' futsal: Rathvilly U15 girls' futsal: Graiguecullen U15 boy's futsal: Hacketstown Very best of luck to all seventeen teams in Longford.
