STIGA Challenger: Carlow Report by Ray Cleare
A 69 strong field made up of eight clubs showed up to contest the recent challenger event held at the Presentation College Carlow. The action got underway at 10.00 am with 5 divisions offered in a very competitive field.
The tournament had at least 15 players playing in their first event which is exactly what the Challenger series was designed for – to encourage players of all levels to compete in a fun atmosphere.
In Division 1 there were 7 entries and after the round robin 4 players emerged :Luke Dempsey, Kate Whelan, John Mansfield and Tadhg Downey.
After two very entertaining semi-finals Kate Whelan (Ballyroan) and Carlow’s own Luke Dempsey progressed. The final was a hotly contested affair with Luke winning out 3-0 but it was a lot closer affair than the score line suggested.
The Division 2 final saw Justynne Fabian (Carlow) up against Jessie Hayes (Mounrath) with Justynne winning 3-1 in a very close affair. Katie Hayes finished 3rd and Daniel Owcazarek
4th.
The Division 3 semi-finals were an all Carlow affair with Matthew Taylor, Sophie Kenny-Cleare, Ayo Oke and Bishal taking up the spots.
Matthew and Bishal progressed to the final with Matthew running out the eventual winner 3-0.
In Division 4 the semi’s were made up of Radek, Nathan Caufield, Benjamin Duffield and Ryan Fitzgerald.
Nathan Caufield (Sacred Heart, Finglas) and Radek (Carlow) got through to the final but Carlow were to be denied with Nathan winning 3-1 in a very close final.
In Division 5 the 4 players who progressed were Natasya Barry, Alan McWey, Davin McEvoy and Liana Riba. The final saw Natasya (Athlone) up against Alan from (Ballyroan) with Natasya winning out 2-0 in a close final.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Tommy Fitzgerald for generously sponsoring the prizes, Presentation College for providing a great venue and to all the parents and coaches who helped out on the day.