Volleyball Ireland hosted the St. Patrick’s Challenge on Saturday 12th March. The event marked the return to showcasing the sport to members of the public post-Covid. Pictured above Newbridge Volleyball Clubs Ciara Lowe on the attack for Ireland in the St. Patrick’s Challenge.
The event featured u20 Men, u19 Women, Snr Women and Snr Men, with each country taking scalps each.
Ireland Women looked in danger early on as Northern Ireland cruised the first set 25-15. Lauren Clark of UCD and Ciara Lowe of Newbridge spared the favourites blushes with some hard hitting serves and skillful net play. Ireland eventually won out 15-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19.
Earlier in the day the u19 Women cruised to a straight sets win 25-16, 25-21, 25-19 with Naas Libero Grace Moloney dominating the back court.
Northern Ireland got off the mark in game 1 with a 3-nil win 25-21, 25-16, 25-16 as Callum Grieves’ youngsters impressed.
The final game was evenly poised throughout with Ireland’s young men, led by Loughrea’s Aiden McDonnell going toe to toe with Peter Stewart’s more experienced charges. Drumshanbo man Gareth Gilmartin threatened the wing throughout but it was an apt win for the North and means the inaugural St. Patrick’s Challenge Trophy is shared two apiece.