Limerick duo impress for Ireland at prestigious Tug of War event in Germany

MULCAIR Tug of War junior members Paddy Walsh and Aoife Blackwell return to Limerick this week having represented Ireland in the prestigious GENSB International Youth Tug of War Tournament in Manheim, Germany.

Paddy and Aoife made up the eight-person Irish team, along with club members from Ballinastoe TOW in Wicklow and Kilkenny’s Mighty Oaks TOW. Aoife also had the opportunity to pull in a mixed nations team, with competitors from England, The Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.

Cappamore native and Newport College student, Aoife is massively proud of this achievement; “It doesn’t feel real yet. It will be amazing to see what happens as the competitions progress. We are going for gold. That is what we want to achieve”. 

Sixteen-year-old Paddy, a 5th year student in St. John the Baptist Community College in Hospital, was thrilled to have the opportunity to compete at international level.

“It feels great, representing my club, Mulcair, my school and everything. The training was tough, very challenging, but it’s not training if it’s not challenging”.

Mulcair coach Eddie O’Malley was confident of his protégés' ability to succeed.

“As a coach, it is probably the most fulfilling thing you can do, to bring someone into the sport at a young age, with relatively little experience, and bring them to international level, and see them enjoy the process as you go along. Both Aoife and Paddy are ready, and they know they’re ready”. 

The tournament was founded in 1998 by Germany, England, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium, in an effort to bring young athletes together,  between the ages of 12 and 19, from different countries, to compete at international level in the sport.

This Irish team put in a sterling performance, finishing in the Top Ten, in a field of over 30 of the best pulling nations in the world, including Switzerland, who ultimately won the gold medal.

Tug of War Ireland secretary and GENSB Development Officer, Noel Higgins, travelled with the squad to the event and was impressed with the tenacity of the young Limerick natives.

“Paddy took on board the advice from his coaches and teammates and grew into the competition. Aoife was brilliant and being the only girl member of the squad, that didn't hold her back. She really embraced the squad ethos. She was a credit and pleasure to deal with from the word go. We very much look forward to seeing Aoife and Paddy in future competitions going forward. They will both have a long and successful career in the sport”. 

Speaking about the GENSBE tournament, Deirdre Curley, Chairperson of Mulcair TOW said “We are all immensely proud of Aoife and Paddy and their achievement this year. It is such an honour for our club.

"We are always excited to welcome new members so if anyone believes they have aspirations for an international sporting career, have a look at our Facebook page and get in touch. You never know what you can achieve!”