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Kukri Sports proudly celebrates its partnership with Pickleball Ireland, whose national team achieved historic success at the inaugural European Pickleball Championships.
Competing against 23 nations in Southampton on November 23-24, Team Ireland’s remarkable performance secured their place among Europe’s top ten, cementing their growing prominence in the sport.
The players showcased their skill and determination throughout to finish among the top 10 nations and deservedly earn recognition on the international stage.
Impressive Performances on the Court
Team Ireland delivered standout results in both the 19+ and 50+ categories:
- (Men’s Doubles 19+) – Adrian and Sam secured impressive group-stage wins before a narrow defeat to Finland.
- (Mixed Doubles 19+) – Francie and Bobby showed their talent to reach the quarter-finals, pushing eventual champions England in a spirited match.
- (Women’s Doubles 19+) – Francie and Izzy earned strong group-stage results, narrowly missing out against Belgium and Estonia.
- (Men’s Doubles 50+) – Gareth and Gavin & Heidi and George (Mixed Doubles 50+) also reached the quarter-finals, delivering exceptional performances against strong opponents.
A Milestone for Irish Pickleball
The Championships marked a decade since the sport was introduced in Ireland. Today, over 60 locations across Ireland host pickleball players, with an estimated 2,000 participants enjoying the sport weekly.
“This is a very important step for Pickleball Ireland, said John Fitzpatrick, Chairman of Pickleball Ireland.
“It reflects the inclusive nature of the sport, with representatives of all ages proudly playing for Ireland.
“Our team represented the whole of Ireland with exceptional spirit and talent,” Fitzpatrick added. “To see players of all ages competing at the highest level is a proud moment for us and the development of the sport.”
Kukri Sports Drives Success
Kukri Sports were proud to play a pivotal role in supporting the team’s journey. As the official kit supplier for Pickleball Ireland, we provided the training wear for the players to compete in, as well as a newly designed shirt that will proudly worn by all players in future competitions.
“The sponsorship has been invaluable,” said Fitzpatrick. “Kukri’s commitment, from design stunning team kits to providing vital support, has made a significant impact.
“We’re thrilled to see our players and supporters wearing these shirts with pride.”
Commenting on the partnership, Neil Patterson, Country Manager for NI and ROI, said “We were thrilled to support Pickleball Ireland in their incredible journey to the European Championships.
“Seeing the team train in the designs and compete on such a prestigious stage was fantastic to see, and we are committed to providing the highest-quality sportswear for their players to shine on the court in future competitions.”
As Team Ireland looks ahead, the momentum from the European Championships fuels their ambition.
With the continued support from Kukri and the passion of players nationwide, the future of pickleball in Ireland continues to shine bright.
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