User:joanneoflynnDate:01/07/2011Time:14:48:35Edition:30/12/2006ScratchEditionSpareSportPagesPage:50Color:

EE - V0

EE - V0

50

SPORT

Blazing saddlesPLAYERS at the Tipperary Polocrosse Tourament might have started off wet and miserable but the weather soon improved and temperatures soared to 25 degrees on the second day of the event.Teams from all over Ireland participated in the popular Clonmel competition, with the two polocrosse pitches holding up extremely well after some torrential downpours the day before it all kicked off. In the new grade E, which is entry level, the Cork team consisting of Cliff OMahony, Tanya Loane and Caoibhleann OLeary claimed top honours, with Wicklow Bay in second place. Emma OHagan from Wicklow Bay was named best player in her grade and her horse also won best horse. In Juniors, the Carrickmines team Daniel Keogh, Abbey Hamill and Ella Quinlan came first, with Cork in second Emma Good, Karla Butler and Katie Conway. Chloe Loane from Cork was on the winning Carrickmines team. Ellen Fitzgerald from Cork played for the Wicklow Bay team. Karlas horse Kramer was named Best Horse, and Daniel Keogh was named Best Player. In D grade, two Tipperary teams claimed first and second place, with Wicklow Bay in third. Ed Flaherty from Tipperary was named Best Player and Eoin Parkers horse won Best Horse. In C grade, the Wicklow Bay C team continue their winning streak with another win in Clonmel, with Birr/Tipp in second place, and Carrickmines in third. Cork player Tom Bolger played with the Birr/Tipp team. Steven Nuzum from Wicklow Bay was named Best Player and Emma Erritys horse Cosmo was named Best Horse. In B grade, the Tipperary team had every reason to smile with another first place to their name, with two Carrickmines teams in second and third place. Best Player went to Tipps Sharon Kennedy and Jacqui Keoghs horse Corona was deservedly named Best Horse. In A grade, players from the Carrickmines, Horetown and Tipperary clubs were mixed, with Team Joanne Joanne Lavery, Aidan McDonagh and Paul OLeary winning first place. Karl Hearn won Best Player. BJ Byrnes horse Penelope was named Best Horse.

EVENING ECHO, Saturday, December 30, 2006

EVENING ECHO, Saturday, December 30, 2006

SPORT 51

By JOANNE OFLYNN

Corks Katie Conway riding Nico has the ball for her side.

Cork Polocrosse Club chairman Tom Bolger said: It was a very successful weekend for the Cork Polocrosse Club at the Tipperary Polocrosse Tournament. We had players finishing in first and second place in different grades. The results are testament to the players dedication to training and passion for polocrosse, Im very proud of them all. Chloe Loane played with a Carrickmines team and her team finished first in their grade. Emma Good, Karla Butler and Katie Conway finished second. They are a great team and thats a fantastic achievement. Ill be expecting all players to build on this success and Im sure well do even better at the next tournament this weekend at Barryscourt Castle in Carrigtwohill. Some of the players young horses are showing good promise and with school exams over and long summer days to practice, Im sure we improve on these results.

JUNIORS: Chloe Loane looks for a pass from her team mate as Ellen Fitzgerald tries to intercept.

CARRIGFESTThe 2011 Carrigtwohill's Medieval Festival and Country Fair in Barryscourt Castle, Carrigtwohill this weekend will bring the traditions of the Irish countryside to life. Set in the magical surroundings of Barryscourt Castle, the excitement of days past will be presented in the Medieval Village. Living history exhibitions and displays will include the re-enactment of Second World War battles. For the first time, spectators will get to see polocrosse played at the event. Its a fast paced game and Cork Polocrosse Club chairman Tom Bolger is confident it will be a hit at the festival: Once people see polocrosse being played they are hooked. Its such a fast game and in Ireland its called hurling on horse back. The horses are the true athletes, for someone who hasnt witnessed polocrosse before its amazing to see the way the horses can twist and turn, go from full gallop to a sliding stop. Its one of the most exciting spectator sports in my opinion.

Players from two Tipperary teams battle it out for the ball in D grade.

Aimee Keogh from Carrickmines prepares to raquet Corks Mike Murphy.

Cork E grade players Cliff OMahony and Tanya Loane in the line-out ready for the ball.

B grade player Padraig Edwards from Douglas riding Archers.

Corks Mike Murphy gets a raquet in the face from Carrickmines Donal Courtney as he goes for the ball in a B grade game. Also pictured is, from left, Richie Crockett, Jacqui Keogh and Tom OMalley.

Cork players Emma Good and Chloe Loane on different teams at the Tipperary Polocrosse Tournament battle hard to get the ball.

Karla Butler from St Lukes riding Kramer.