Rip current warning ahead of August Bank Holiday weekend
Rip currents are a major cause of accidental drownings but can be notoriously difficult to spot. The Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland are pleading with swimmers and particularly those who may be visiting an area they are not familiar with over the Bank Holiday weekend, to learn the warning signs, read local safety notices and seek advice before entering the water.
With the weekend also forecasting strong winds, gusting up to Force 9 in some areas on Bank Holiday Monday, the three organisations are warning that the weather will further increase the risk of getting into difficulty, especially on east coast beaches where offshore winds will blow from land out to sea.
In offshore winds:
- Offshore conditions make it even easier to be swept out to sea and harder to return safely. Swimmers, paddleboarders and other water users are urged not to take to the water in such conditions
- Never use inflatable toys in open water
Rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people and debris away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water. They tend to flow at 1–2mph but can reach 4–5mph, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer. Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but people should never underestimate the power of any water. They are also found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.
While they can be difficult to spot, they are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea's surface. Even the most experienced people can be caught out by rips, so we would encourage swimmers to not be afraid to ask for advice.
To avoid a rip current:
- Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags which have been marked based on where it is safer to swim in the current conditions. Find your closest lifeguarded beach at https://watersafety.ie/lifeguards/
- Wear a bright coloured swimming cap
- Swim with others, never go alone.
If you do find yourself caught in a rip:
- Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted
- If you can stand, wade don’t swim
- If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore
- Always raise your hand and shout for help
- If you see someone in difficulty or suspect they are in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
Graphic how to escape a rip current: Rip current graphic: https://watersafety.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WSI-Rip-Current-Illustration-1100x640-R1-2-1.jpg
A Lifeguard explains rip currents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc6KNweXn_I
In 20 seconds learn how to escape a rip current: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suFHTtyUfHI
More on rip currents: https://watersafety.ie/rip-currents/
Rip currents explained in 2 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4hNh-6jDL0
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
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Download the sock template here:
Click here to download template (Print Version)
Click here to download template (Digital Version) -
Create your design – hand-drawn or digital artwork welcome
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Email or post your completed design to us by the deadline
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Be sure to include your name, age (if under 18), and contact details
The Prize
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Your design turned into real socks!
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A feature on our social media and website
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A pair of your winning socks
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A chance to show off your creative skills to the wider community!
Terms & Conditions
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Eligibility: Open to individuals of all ages. If under 18, please include the name of a parent/guardian or teacher.
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Designs: Must be original and reflect the theme “Active Carlow.” Entries must be submitted using the official sock template.
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Deadline: All entries must be received by Friday, 13th June 2025, by email or post.
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Selection: A judging panel will select the winning design based on creativity, originality, and connection to the theme.
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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.
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Usage Rights: By submitting your design, you grant Carlow Sports Partnership permission to use your design in connection with this and future promotional activity.
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Data Privacy: Your personal information will only be used for the purpose of administering this competition and will not be shared.
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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.