Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland

The final of the National Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland Boccia League was held last Tuesday the 29th of April in the Institute of Technology Limerick.

Four teams lined up to battle it out for their place in the league rankings.  The successful teams to reach the final were the Ennis A team, who hold the title from last year and the Limerick A team.  The Limerick B team and a new team to the league, Cashel Road, Dublin played for 3rd and 4th position.

The first of the two matches kicked off with Cashel Road and Limerick B at about 11.30am. The match was refereed by Brenda Hopkins, sports development officer for CPSI.    Although the scoring was close throughout the match, Cashel Road managed to clinch the 3rd place from Limerick.  This was a tremendous achievement for the Dublin team, as this was their first time participating in the league and at National Level.  The Cashel Road Team was made up with Gary O’ Connor, Ciara O Dwyer and Yvonne Pringle.  The Limerick B was Colette Condon, Eddie Ryan, Orla Kelly, Louise Graham and David Houlihan.  Well done to both teams.

The very much anticipated final between Ennis A, the title holders from last year, and Limerick A got under way at about 1.30pm.  This match was referred by the National assistant Boccia Coach Siobhan O Malley.  Limerick A appeared strong throughout the entire game and they held their form to take the title as League Champions.  Although Ennis A lost out to Limerick, they showed as always great team dynamics and skill throughout the match. The Limerick team was Gerard O Grady, Carolind Fahy, Enda Gallagher, and Deirdre Corry.  The Ennis Team consisted of Patrick Lynch, Julieann Barry, Patricia O Neill and Olivia Keane.

Two other teams also participated in the league matches over the last two months.  Unfortunately, they did not reach the finals this year, but hopefully we will see them next year.  Both teams were present at the final to support the other teams playing.  Certificates of participation were presented to the Cork team, who were Kevin English, Jonathan Donovan, Daniel Bradshaw and Richard Fitzgerald.  The Ennis B Team were Ronan Kilday, Amy Moynihan, Shane King and Patricia Kelly. 

On behalf of Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland we would like to applaud the teams for their commitment and dedication to the league.  Their entuasiasm has created a very successfull competition which we are very proud to be part of.  A hugh thank you goes to the managers of the 6 teams.  Berni Ryan, Limerick A & Limerick B teams, Bridget Dormer, Ennis A & Ennis B teams, Stephen Harrington, Cashel Road Dublin team and Norma Ryan, Cork team. Also a Hugh thank you to all the bus drivers and anyone who help out on the days. 

Thanks to Siobhan O Malley and Jacquie Connolly for their support and assistance throughout the league.

If your centre is interested in participating in the league in October or would like to participate in or run a Boccia Development day, please contact Brenda Hopkins, National Sports Development Officer, Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland @ 01 6251160 or email Brenda.hopkins@cpsi.ie