A group of the countries top players gathered in Kells last weekend to play some competitive croquet in advance of the Irish Championships in August. The matches were played in the idyllic surroundings of Johnsbrook House on what is probably one of the best lawns in the country. There were six participants, including our host Patsy Fitzgerald who had recovered from the wrist injury that forced him out of the World Team Championships in May.

The CAI selectors wish to receive notification from any players wishing to be considered for selection at the 2015 World Golf Croquet Championships.

Please contact either Joe McGowan or Andy Johnston to register availability.

The Under-21 GCWC will be held at the United Croquet Club, Christchurch, New Zealand from 1-5 February 2015. The 2015 GCWC will be held at Mount Maunganui Croquet Club and other clubs in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand from 7-15 February 2015.

The photographs of the World Team Championships are now online and can be opened through the link in the righthand column.

The report of the Dublin championships in pdf format with photos can be viewed at
http://www.croquetireland.com/cai/docs/CoDublinReport2014.pdf

A depleted Irish team travelled to Surbiton Croquet Club in London to attempt to defend their 2013 Home Internationals title on the 14/15th of June. Ireland were left fielding a four-person team after some withdrawals, but were brought up to the full contingent of five for the final match against Scotland thanks to the appearance of Charlie Von Schmieder on the Sunday.

The entry form for the Croquet Championships of Ireland 2014 is now available. It will be played a Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club from 2nd to 9th August. All croquet players are encouraged to enter and there competitions for all levels. Although the main competitions are Association Croquet there will be a Golf Croquet competition during the week to ensure there is something for everyone.
Do enter and play this year and also come along to see the top Irish players in action.
Application forms can be downloaded from the link above in the special enemy's box of from
http://www.carrickmines.com/?wpdmact=process&did=MzYuaG90bGluaw==

The Championships of County Dublin were held at Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club held on the 30th May to the 2nd June 2014.
A large crowd of croquet supporters came along to the presentation of the trophies and prizes after a wonderful 4 day croquet event. The weather was kind with no rain over the four days and two particular warm days on Friday and Saturday.
Read on here or see the full report with photos at www.croquetireland.com/cai/docs/CoDublinReport2014.pdf

The 2014 World Team Championships Tier 2.1 were kindly hosted by Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis club between the 12-th and 17th of May. The event consisted of four nations, fielding teams of 4 players, playing a round robin of 2-day Test matches with 2x doubles matches and 4x singles. The Irish team of Simon Williams, Danny Johnston (C), Nathaniel Healy and Patsy Fitzgerald began playing against a Scottish team reduced to three by injury. Ireland eventually came through as comfortable 4-1 winners. In the course of this match Patsy sustained an injury to his wrist playing Campbell Morrison and was replaced by Evan Newall for the subsequent matches.

The World Team Championships begins on Monday the 12th of May and continues until Saturday the 17th.
Being played in the wonderful settings of Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, the event consists of a series of 2-day "mini" Tests, played between teams of 4, consisting of 1 round of doubles and 1 round of singles with a tie breaker round to be played if the scores are level.

The Irish Team would love to see support out in force, please come and see some top class croquet players in action.

Waterville Lake Croquet Society Golf Croquet Doubles Tournament May 2014.

On a drizzly afternoon members gathered together with a few guests at the idyllic lake site court to contest the doubles plate. The rain saw the surprisingly early exit of the title holders of The Consolation America Doubles, the club secretary Hugh O’Neill and his partner.

Entries are invited for the Croquet Championship of Co.Dublin which will be held from 30th May until 2nd June 2014. Closing date for entries is 21st May.