Open Gym Sessions for Teenage Girls

Carlow Sports Partnership are excited to announce Open Gym sessions designed for 13-16 year olds.

Guided by the professionals at Patric Fitness Centre Bagenalstown, participants will have the opportunity to explore gym equipment, ask questions, and work at their own pace – all while the gym is closed to the general public to ensure an enjoyable experience for the girls.

Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Tue 22nd July.

1pm – 3pm.

Patric Fitness Centre, Kilcarrig, Muinebheag, R21 X788.

€3 per session or €5 per week.

No pre-booking required, sign in forms will be available at the gym.

For more information contact euseckaite@carlowcoco.ie or 059 913 6247


PALs Workshops - Get More Active, More Often!

Become a Physical Activity Leader for Older Adults

Carlow Local Sports Partnership, in association with Age & Opportunity, invites you to join the PALs (Physical Activity Leaders) Workshops. This initiative is designed to empower individuals to lead and encourage more older people to be active, more often.

PALs are trained to guide members of their own groups or communities through short exercise routines, simple dances, fun games, and recreational sports. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable skills and contribute to the well-being of older adults in your community.

Date: 21st & 28th October, and 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th November (all Tuesdays)
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Myshall Community Centre, Co. Carlow
Registration: Essential

To register or for more information, please contact:

Michael McCarthy at michaelmccarthy@carlowcoco.ie or 087 3560803 


Men\'s Health 2025

Get Mind Fit: Prioritise Your Mental Health This Men’s Health Week!


Join us for ‘Get Mind Fit’, a special free event at Carlow Town Park dedicated to promoting positive mental health during Men’s Health Week. This is your chance to step away from the daily grind, invest in your well-being, and connect with your community in a supportive and relaxed environment.


What to Expect


We’ve designed a day that nurtures both your mind and body:

  • Scenic River Barrow Walk: We’ll kick things off promptly at 10:00 AM with a refreshing walk along the beautiful River Barrow. It’s a great way to get moving and clear your head.
  • Positive Mental Health Insights: After our stroll, you’ll have the opportunity to learn practical tips and strategies for fostering positive mental well-being.
  • Connect and Socialise: Meet new people, share experiences, and build connections in a friendly atmosphere.
  • Complimentary Lunch: Enjoy a delicious, free lunch on us!

Event Details


  • Date: Friday, 13th June 2025
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: Carlow Town Park
  • Cost: FREE!

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to support your mental and physical health. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body, and ‘Get Mind Fit’ provides the perfect setting to do just that.


Help Shape the Future of Outdoor Recreation in Carlow!

The National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’, calls out the need for every county to develop a County Outdoor Recreation Plan. The plan will ensure that the needs of the county are prioritised and aligned with the National Strategy which aims to lead, guide and facilitate the sustainable development and management of outdoor recreation and increased participation, in order to realise social, health and economic benefits.

 

Carlow County Council has commissioned Outscape to develop a County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Carlow which will identify strategic priorities and a prioritised five-year action plan for 2025-2030. This plan will ensure a planned and coordinated approach between stakeholders to develop and deliver future outdoor recreation projects as funding becomes available.

Tuesday, 17th June

  • Location: Muine Bheag Community Centre, R21 PX68
  • Time: Workshop from 7pm to 9pm

Wednesday, 18th June

  • Location: Teach Bhríde, Tullow, R93 W447
  • Time: Drop in from 2pm to 4pm

Wednesday, 18th June

  • Location: Carlow Town Hall, R93 TK85
  • Time: Workshop from 7pm to 9pm

 


Free Pickleball Taster Sessions: Try a New, Fun, and Social Sport!

Looking for a new way to get active, meet people, and have a blast? Carlow Sports Partnership is thrilled to offer free Pickleball taster sessions! This is your golden opportunity to discover Carlow’s newest club and dive into a sport that’s taking the world by storm.

Pickleball is super easy to learn, incredibly fun, and wonderfully social. You don’t need any prior experience – these sessions are perfect for absolute beginners aged 18 and up. Come on down and find out why everyone’s raving about Pickleball!


Session Details:

  • Date: Thursdays, June 12th – July 17th, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Location: Tullow Community School
  • Cost: Completely FREE!
  • Contact: Anto | 085-7639533


Design a Sock Competition

Get Creative and Show Off Your “Active Carlow” Spirit

We’ve got something exciting on the way — and we want YOU to be part of it!

To celebrate all things Active Carlow, we’re inviting people of all ages to design a brand-new pair of socks that captures what being active in Carlow means to you. Whether it’s walking the Barrow Way, cycling our greenways, playing sport, or enjoying community events — now’s your chance to turn that inspiration into wearable art!

Theme: Active Carlow
Deadline: Friday, 13th June 2025
Submit your design to:
gbonner@carlowcoco.ie
or post to:
Gerard Bonner, Carlow Sports Partnership, Town Hall, Carlow, R93 TK85


How to Enter

  1. Download the sock template here:

    Click here to download template (Print Version)
    Click here to download template (Digital Version)

  2. Create your design – hand-drawn or digital artwork welcome

  3. Email or post your completed design to us by the deadline

  4. Be sure to include your name, age (if under 18), and contact details

The Prize

  • Your design turned into real socks!

  • A feature on our social media and website

  • A pair of your winning socks

  • A chance to show off your creative skills to the wider community!


Terms & Conditions

  1. Eligibility: Open to individuals of all ages. If under 18, please include the name of a parent/guardian or teacher.

  2. Designs: Must be original and reflect the theme “Active Carlow.” Entries must be submitted using the official sock template.

  3. Deadline: All entries must be received by Friday, 13th June 2025, by email or post.

  4. Selection: A judging panel will select the winning design based on creativity, originality, and connection to the theme.

  5. Prizes: The winning design will be professionally produced as socks. The winner will receive free pairs and may be featured on Active Carlow promotional materials.

  6. Usage Rights: By submitting your design, you grant Carlow Sports Partnership permission to use your design in connection with this and future promotional activity.

  7. Data Privacy: Your personal information will only be used for the purpose of administering this competition and will not be shared.

  8. Modifications: Slight adjustments may be made to winning designs to accommodate sock production and promotions.


Let’s see your vision come to life — get designing!


Bike Week on the Barrow

Free Bike Hire at the Mullicháin Café

Celebrate Bike Week in one of Ireland’s most scenic spots with free bike hire available daily from the Mullicháin Café in St. Mullins. Running from May 10th to 18th, this is a perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Barrow Way at your own pace—whether you’re planning a solo spin, a family day out, or a relaxed cycle with friends.

This initiative is supported by County Carlow Local Sports Partnership as part of Bike Week 2025, in collaboration with Sport Ireland, Carlow County Council, TFI, and the Department of Transport.

Bike hire is completely free, but booking is essential.
Phone:
(051) 424 440
Email: mullichaincafe@gmail.com


Wicket Women - Her Moves Cricket Programme

Inspiring Girls to Get Active Through Cricket!

Her Moves is designed to inspire and support more teenage girls to be active. It’s about empowerment, confidence, and motivation—helping girls find something they love that gets them moving. Now, Carlow Sports Partnership are bringing you an opportunity to experience women’s and girls’ cricket coaching!

What’s On Offer?

  • Learn Cricket Skills: Master batting, bowling, and fielding techniques with expert coaches.
  • Game Rules & Strategy: Understand the game and develop your tactical skills.
  • Fun & Inclusive: A welcoming space for girls aged 11-16 to try something new.

Programme Details:
📍 Location: St. Leo’s College, Dublin Road, Carlow (Eircode: R3QF+W2)
📅 Dates: 26th March – 30th April
🕓 Time: Wednesdays, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📞 Contact: 087 2681648
💰 Cost: FREE!

Why Cricket?
“I didn’t know Carlow has a Cricket Club!…Now you do!”
Join us and be part of a growing community of girls discovering the thrill of cricket in a fun and supportive environment. No experience needed—just a willingness to try!


Anne Cullen on Inclusivity

Q: What does inclusivity in sport mean to you?
Inclusivity in sport means making sure that everyone, regardless of their ability, background, or circumstances, has the opportunity to participate and feel welcome. Sport should be a space where nobody feels left out, and where differences are embraced rather than seen as barriers.

Q: What challenges do you think exist in making sport more inclusive?
One of the biggest challenges is accessibility—whether that’s physical access to facilities, financial barriers, or simply a lack of awareness about available opportunities. Sometimes, people don’t feel like they belong in a sporting environment because they don’t see people like themselves participating. Representation and education are key to overcoming this.

Q: How can we take action to ensure sport is more inclusive?
We need to focus on creating welcoming environments. That means training coaches and volunteers to understand different needs, ensuring facilities are adaptable, and promoting the message that sport is for everyone. Funding and grants also play a big role in removing financial barriers, making it easier for people from all backgrounds to get involved.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to make their club or organisation more inclusive?
Start by listening. Talk to people in your community—ask what they need and what’s stopping them from taking part. Small changes can make a big difference, whether it’s offering beginner-friendly sessions, adapting facilities, or simply creating a culture where everyone feels valued. Inclusivity isn’t just a box to tick; it’s about making sport better for all.


International Women’s Day Q&A with Shannen Cotter, All-Ireland Winning Captain

What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a woman in sport?
International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to celebrate women and their achievements in all fields—including sport. It’s a chance to reflect on the progress that has been made in women’s sport while also recognising the challenges and opportunities that remain. It’s a day to honour the great sportswomen who have pushed boundaries and fought for equality, paving the way for the next generation. Most importantly, it’s a powerful moment for advocacy, highlighting the importance of sport and physical activity for young girls. #CantSeeCantBe

What barriers do you think still exist for women in sport, and how can we break them down?
While we’ve come a long way towards equality in sport, there’s still a long way to go. Women’s sports are often underfunded, receive limited media coverage, and lack equal opportunities and facilities. To change this, we need a societal shift in attitudes towards women’s sport. Visibility and investment are key. While media coverage of women’s sport has improved, it doesn’t always fairly represent the talent and achievements of female athletes. Too often, coverage focuses on appearance or personal lives—something rarely seen in men’s sport. Advocacy plays a crucial role in breaking down these barriers, ensuring that female athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Who has been a strong female role model for you in sport, and why?
I’ve been lucky to have many role models in sport—some older, some younger. To me, a role model is someone whose actions have a positive influence, showing sportsmanship, discipline, resilience, and a commitment to giving back. The strongest female role model in my life has been Deirdre Tomlinson.

I’ve had the privilege of being coached by Dee and playing alongside her with BT for the last ten years. She’s been the backbone of the club—coaching underage teams, captaining the senior team, and playing an active role on the committee, all while training hard and keeping morale high. She welcomes every player, no matter their ability, and will always go the extra mile—literally! She once drove me all the way back to the Gaeltacht in Belmullet, Mayo after I came home for a match, without a second thought.

Dee is someone I aspire to be like—gracious in victory and defeat, hardworking, and endlessly positive. She is the definition of a true role model.

What advice would you give to young girls looking to stay involved in sport as they grow up?
The most important thing to remember is that you belong. There is a place for women in every sport. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl—you deserve every opportunity to succeed.

Have fun, build friendships, dream big, and believe in yourself!