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 22^nd 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

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 

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!

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

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.

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!