 Keeping the pace This past weekend, Gormanston, Co. Meath and Kenagh, Co. Longford were alive with energy and enthusiasm as 1,400 children participated in the Cairn Community Games May finals.  Futsal Footwork From Badminton to Indoor Soccer, Cross Country to Rugby 7s, the diverse range of events showcased the remarkable talent, community spirit and sportsmanship of children from across the country.  X Rugby 7's The weekend was not just about competition; it was a celebration of community, engagement, and above all, enthusiasm. The excitement of the games was evident as children, supported by their families, friends, coaches, and a dedicated team of volunteers, participated with passion, camaraderie and fun.  Fun and Games in between races Adding to the atmosphere, there was an array of entertainment throughout the weekend, including stilt walkers, face-painting, fun games, a treasure hunt and a vibrant carnival. Tom Noonan, Head of Marketing at Cairn, expressed his pride in the event and the company's role as the title sponsor: “Cairn, proud title sponsor of Cairn Community Games, will invest €3 million over a four-year partnership. This is a perfect fit given the Company’s deep commitment to creating sustainable communities where people in Ireland can thrive. Over the course of this partnership, Cairn commits to increasing overall participation by 10% and delivering a support programme that enhances the competition and drives participation and awareness.”  Basketball U16 Girls The games also featured special visits from other national governing bodies and sports figures. Olympic Handball Ireland engaged children and adults alike, offering fun and accessible demonstrations on how to play the sport. As part of Bike Week, Cycling Ireland visited, providing fun activities to the children taking part in Cycling on Grass.  Cycling on Grass Matt and John Devine, former Community Games medallists now with Connacht Rugby, shared their inspiring journey with some young X Rugby 7 players. They talked about how they were first introduced to the world of rugby through Community Games and offered valuable tips - emphasising the importance of perseverance and embracing failure at times as part of the game.  Johh and Matt Devine talking about taking part in Cairn Community Games Allen Parker, Chief Customer Officer at Bus Éireann, remarked: “We are proud to support Cairn Community Games and encourage everyone to use public transport when attending their events. Best of luck to all participants.”  Mickey and Minnie always choose Bus Eireann! Gillian Clarke, Marketing Director at Fit Foods, added: “Fit Foods is proud to support Cairn Community Games, promoting health and wellbeing. It’s a joy to see such commitment from all involved.”  Fit Foods - offering free samples all weekend to some hungry children! Gerry McGuinness, President of Cairn Community Games, shared his enthusiasm: “The Cairn Community Games May Finals have been a tremendous success, showcasing the dedication and talent of our young children. The joy and excitement seen this weekend highlights the importance of community and taking part in a range of different activities when you’re young. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, families, and sponsors for their unwavering support. Now it’s time to rest, but not for long – in just two weeks our Swimming, Gymnastics and Quiz finals will take place in Kilkenny!  Something for everyone! The success of the Cairn Community Games May finals was made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers, coaches, and referees whose dedication and energy facilitated a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. The event highlighted the enthusiasm and sportsmanship of the children, whose dedication and joy in participating are the heart and soul of Cairn Community Games. For more information about the Cairn Community Games and upcoming events, please visit www.cairncommunitygames.ie  John and Matt Devine with X Rugby 7's Limerick boys!
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 2023 Mixed Distance Relay in Gormanston Our May National Festival promises to be a busy and fun weekend with finals ranging from Basketball to X Rugby 7's and plenty to do for all the family. We look foward to seeing you there! Find out MORE AT OUR WEBPAGE
There are 3 venues:
 Cairn Community Games President Gerry McGuinness, with Glen Cantwell, left, and John O'Byrne at Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile Today marks a significant milestone for Carlow as it proudly becomes home for some of the Cairn Community Games National Festivals until 2028: The Track and Field Finals in Carlow SETU, the Outdoor Teams Finals in Carlow SETU and the Arts and Cultural Weekend in Visual Carlow and on the grounds of St Patrick's College, Carlow College. Amidst the tranquil setting of Delta Sensory Gardens, representatives from Cairn Community Games, SETU, Visual Carlow and Carlow Community Games gathered to unveil Carlow's designation as the host for these three major Festivals a year until 2028. This decision reflects a shared commitment to fostering community engagement and sporting and artistic participation, promising a vibrant platform for celebrating talent and camaraderie.  Michael Walker, SETU Sport, Sinead Colleran, Cairn Community Games, Averil Lawler, Carlow College St Patricks, Cairn Community Games President Gerry McGuinness, Emma Lucy O'Brien, CEO Visual Carlow and Paula Hickey, SETU Sport at Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile Building upon its legacy of excellence and renowned for its top-notch facilities, South East Technological University (SETU) wil become home to the Athletics and Outdoor Teams National Festival Events. Reflecting on the success of the past year’s events held in SETU Carlow, Gerry McGuiness, President of Cairn Community Games, highlights the August 2024 weekend in SETU as a culmination of achievements and a celebration for all involved. He notes that track events will be once again streamed globally, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers, enhancing the excitement and excitement of the occasion. David Denieffe, Vice President of SETU Carlow added: “We are delighted that Carlow has once again been chosen as the home for the Cairn Community Games Arts, Athletics and Outdoor Team National Finals. At South East Technological University we have a great relationship with Cairn Community Games and our partners in Carlow. We look forward to the provision of the Outdoor Team and Athletics events on our South Sports Campus and to the best event possible.” The VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre and the grounds of St. Patrick's Carlow College will serve as the vibrant hub for the eagerly anticipated Cairn Community Games Arts and Cultural Weekend. Here, participants from all corners of Ireland will converge to exhibit their talents in various disciplines, promising a spectacle of creativity and artistry in stunning surround and settings! "Carlow College, St Patrick's is proud to be one of the host organisations for the Community Games for the coming years. The College has a long history of working closely with community groups, and promoting arts and culture within Carlow. We are looking forward to welcoming all the range of events that will be hosted on our campus," commented Averil Lawler, Facilities Manager, Carlow College, St Patrick's. Gerry McGuinness expressed gratitude to the local authorities and venue hosts for their unwavering support, stating, "These partnerships underscore our shared commitment to fostering community spirit. We are thrilled to bring these events to Carlow, providing thousands of children with the opportunity to come together, celebrate, and proudly represent their counties, creating cherished memories for years to come." As Carlow prepares to host these events in 2024, anticipation mounts for a vibrant celebration of talent, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Cairn Community Games offers a diverse array of events to an estimated 160,000 children from across the Republic of Ireland. These events culminate in National Festivals, where approximately 9,000 children will showcase their skills and represent their counties with pride. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.cairncommunitygames.ie  Phyllis Farrell, Cairn Community Games Director, Derek Blanche, Events Manager Visual Carlow, Gerry McGuinness, Cairn Community Games President, Emma Lucy O'Brien, CEO Visual Carlow, and front row from left, Michael Walker, SETU Sport, Averil Lawler, Carlow College St Patricks, Paul Doogue, Cairn Community Games Deputy President and Paula Hickey, SETU Sport |
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