The premier Irish Croquet Tournament of the year – The Croquet Championships of Ireland - was played at Carrickmines from 31 July to 7 August. Due to Covid there was only 1 overseas entry but nevertheless there was a strong overall entry of 36 players. There were 9 separate events in the Tournament, both singles and doubles, and catering for different handicap levels. The Tournament was superbly managed by debutant manager Alan Looney, the weather was mixed with the splendid new awning providing protection from sun and rain.

Day 7 and some thought-rich croquet on offer from the brightest stars in the croquet firmament. Every shot and ball placement is carefully considered and weighted to meet prior cognitive perception. Visualisation seems to work. Of course, Rhonda Byrne's Ask-Believe-Receive recycled concept made her a few quid off the back of The Secret. "If you will it, it is no dream" as Theodor Herzel put it in his State of Israel address over 100 years earlier.

Newsflash; Úna Walsh and Patsy Fitzgerald will contest the handicap doubles final on Saturday. Their only defeat in the 2 life draw thus far has come at the hands of a Greig/Allwright double act. They will meet again on Shabbat.

"This is what in Ireland we call a soft day". Sharpshooter Sandy's words to visiting hotshot Eugene Chang as the pair looked out onto sheets of rain which seemed to be blowing sideways across the lawns. Simon was out mowing lawn 3 as the competing players arrived for the 9 30am coin toss on Day 6.

Day 5 saw a feisty lawn 4 alternate shot doubles battle between the Geraldine O'Rourke Myles McWeeney pairing and an Allwright McGrath duo take place this morning. Mid-game and one of the quartet was deeply covetous of the win. They were overheard humming the Grease tune: "You are the one I want, you, you, you."

Chemicals saoiste (boss) Alan Looney's leadership style is one of compassionate capitalism. It comprises an empathetic culture with a popular profit-sharing scheme for staff. His 2017-2019 reign as Carrickmines Club President was one in which a sense of cothrom na féinne (fair play) pervaded. Members were kept in a constant state of heightened anticipation by impromptu *gushies of new tennis balls embossed with the face of Tennis Director, Pat Crowe, in the main club bar.

Entries are invited for the 2021 Irish Open Golf Croquet to be held from 10th to 12th September 2021 at Carrickmines C&LTC and Herbert Park.CC.

Full details on the entry form 

https://croquetireland.com/cai/docs/IrishOpen%20GC%20entry%202021.pdf

A case of Millertime on Sunday evening on lawn 4. No, not the mid-strength hooch but rather the fulsomely barneted follower of Inigo of Loïola (Ignatius of Loyola), Maximilien. The printing magnate - a serve and volleyer of distinction, dismantled the game of Gerard Osborne Burke in 90 minutes in their handicap singles clash. 26-4 the margin there. No mean feat as the bridge-designer cum mallet maestro GOB boasts the kind of game that is lorded throughout the croquet world. 

Day 2 and cyclist supreme, Nigel Werner, is truly i mbarr a mhaitheasa (in the prime of his life) on the croquet lawns. He went round to penult' early doors in his handicap doubles morning opener before setting up his partner, Duncan Styles, in a great position to make hoop 1. The latter's tactical interjections belied his relatively new entry to the sport. A rapt Werner took on board the telling tactical observations as they plotted a collective path around the manicured surface. Styles' economical shot-making was to leave an imprint of class in a game of vacillating vicissitudes.

Saturday, July 31st 2021 was destined to be a special moment in time. The Olympics of Irish association croquet (by way of the Irish Championships) started in earnest today at Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club.

The entry form for the Irish Open linked to from the menu and sidebar has been updated.

However, the manager would prefer entries to made online using this link

The closing date is 26th July 2021