Draughts team made all the right moves in Italian challenge
21 draughts players from Bennekerry/Tinryland played draughts in the beautiful surrounds of the Italian Alp
AN unforgettable journey unfolded this summer when Bennekerry/Tinryland’s Draughts Club travelled to northern Italy to represent Ireland in a special draughts tournament. The invitation came from Italian draughts club Damaosta, nestled at the foot of the Alps, in recognition of the Carlow club’s outstanding achievements over the previous year. Having earned multiple accolades across community games, primary and secondary school competitions, the club’s young stars were invited to showcase their talent in a first of its kind international draughts exchange with an Irish draughts club.
The trip was a year in the making. Planning began in earnest shortly after the invitation was received, with coaches, parents and supporters rallying together to raise the necessary funds to bring a group of 21 juvenile draughts players to Italy.
Not only did the children have to prepare for a major international tournament, but they also had to learn a new form of the game, Italian-rules draughts. As the competition was to be split between English-style and Italian-style formats, mastering both was essential. True to form, the children embraced the challenge with energy and determination, with coach Mairéad Breen noting how the new style sharpened their strategic thinking across the board.
The excited young draughts players set off on their Alpine adventure proudly clad in emerald-green Ireland kits, generously sponsored by UPMC Carlow. Over the following two days, the children competed in a packed schedule of games, displaying remarkable focus, skill and sportsmanship. The Bennekerry/Tinryland club fielded a junior and senior team of five players each in the over-12 category, while 11 children took part in the individual under-12 competition.
“It was a joy to watch the children completely absorbed in the games without a tablet in sight, ready to offer their best challenge in both English style and Italian style draughts,” said proud coach Mairéad Breen.
Despite the Italians’ greater experience on the international circuit, the Irish challengers made an impressive mark, earning respect ‒ and some trophies ‒ along the way.
Kenny Bolger took home third place in the overall individual competition, a remarkable achievement on foreign soil. The senior team of Danny Donegan, Seán Breen, Páidí Breen, Eddie Keenan and Arsene Kalninsh secured second place in the team event, while the junior team of Wren Stynes, Créd Stynes, Sara Donegan, Nuadha Stynes and Mia Keating also made many impressive moves on the draughts board.
Excitement now turns to next month as the Italians prepare for a return visit from 20-23 August. They will be based in the Talbot Hotel, with matches to be held there and a special welcome planned by Carlow mayor Paul Doogue. The local community is already gearing up to reciprocate the same warmth and hospitality extended to their children abroad.
The Bennekerry/Tinryland club extends thanks to the many people who made their Italian trip possible ‒ local politicians, businesses, family and friends, whose generous fundraising, support and encouragement brought the dream to life.
