This year our roving reporter and member of the ladies team, Louise Kerr, provided us with this excellent Blog.

Fri 22nd April 2011 - Day 9

Women: IRELAND 13 ENGLAND 4 (08:00)

The week ended on a high for the Irish Women's Senior team when they took the scalp of England in their final game here this morning. The team, Carolyn Hibberd, Louise Kerr, Gilly Drury and Christina Graham were in top form for six of the seven ends played and only the loss of a three at the second when Carolyn and Louise guessed with the ice for Carolyn's take out - and got it wrong - leaving the English lying two with their last stone to come. The ladies coach Johnjo Kenny was delighted with the performance and had special praise for the way skip Carolyn called the game. "She did a professional job out there today", he said. The team, sponsored by Albert Bartlett, finish the World Senior Curling Championships on a three win - seven loss record, but can look to the future with confidence that the win column can be added to next year.

INCIDENT UPDATE

Scottish lead, Fiona De Vries, went through a two and a half hour operation this morning to mend four fractures in her leg after she fell over the edge of the walkway in Thursday morning's game against the Irish Women's team in the World Seniors. It is reported that Fiona will remain in hospital here in St Paul for around ten days before she can travel home to Scotland. Ireland had conceded the game to the Scots. The Scottish team were also on the ice this morning, beating Russia. Unfortunately their record of six wins and four losses means they are also out of the competition.

Thu 21st April 2011 - Day 8

Men: IRELAND 7 RUSSIA 6 (21:30)

Irish skip PJ Wilson used his get out of jail card in last night's game against Russia when he drew for a three to win 7-6 after the Russian skip completely freshed when attempting a straight back double. The Irish men's team, PJ Wilson, David Whyte, Tony Tierney and David Hume, sponsored by Albert Bartlett, started well with a two in the first end. After losing a single, PJ nailed a great draw shot in the fourth to go into the second half of the game with a fairly secure lead. But the team then lost a two followed by a one against the head in the sixth end when PJ's last draw shot was overswept. The team were then unfortunate to lose lead David Hume at this point. David has been struggling to overcome a bug for two days, but he was feeling so unwell it was unwise, for the good of the team, for him to continue playing. The seventh end unfolded like a nightmare for the Irish, for the players on and the supporters off the ice, and especially when the Russian skip made a great double to lie four. PJ tried to hit and stick for one shot but got the roll to lie only third shot. The score was 6-4 to the Russians going into the last end. But the three man Irish team were equal to the task. David Whyte with the second of his three stone made a great draw to the back eight behind cover. The Russians cleared the guard but David replaced the cover lying in the top eight. The Russians lifted the guard again and it was PJ's turn to replace it perfectly. The Russian then lost the plot by playing his last stone wide and heavy. PJ held his nerve to draw a third shot to pluck victory out of the jaws of defeat. This was their last game in the Senior Worlds Curling Championships as their record of three wins and three losses is not good enough for a play-off spot

Women: IRELAND 7 NEW ZEALAND 6 (18:00)

The Irish Womens Senior curling team won their second game at the end of a traumatic day here at the World Senior Curling Championships in St Paul, Minnesota. The team, Marie O'Kane, Louise Kerr, Gilly Drury and Christina Graham kept things tight in the first four ends with Marie O'Kane making a brilliant tap back for a two count at the second end. After a steal of two in the third and and one in the fourth, the team had a comfortable 5-1 at the break. But a dismal failure to clear opposition stones in the fifth meant the Irish lost three shots. The teams exchanged twos in the next two ends leading to a nerve jangling last end. Marie O'Kane nailed a take out on the New Zealand shot stone to leave the Kiwis with a hit and roll to the four foot for the peel. The skip played wide but caught a lucky wick off a winger that was sailing ominously towards the button. But the luck of the Irish was with the girls as the stone miraculously avoided a pile of granite in the house leaving Ireland lying two. All the Irish team - and backroom staff - finally breathed a huge sigh of relief.

INCIDENT UPDATE

The Irish Ladies team have made a lot of friends here after conceding their morning game to Scotland after Scottish lead Fiona De Vries suffered a horrific injury. Irish skip Marie O'Kane said: "The incident had happened and someone was badly injured and all the girls were traumatised. No one was in any mood to continue the game and I felt we should just get off the ice. There are more important things than a game of curling. "We were pleased that Fiona got the attention that she needed and our thoughts are with her, her family and the team at this difficult time. "Our decision to concede was ratified by the WCF and all the Irish players here wish the Scottish girls the very best for the rest of the championships."

Women: IRELAND vs SCOTLAND (08:00)

There was an unfortunate incident in the Ireland v Scotland match in the Womens World Senior Championships here in St Paul, Minnesota this morning. Scottish lead, Fiona de Vries, tripped on the walkway and broke her ankle. The game was abandoned and the Irish, in the spirit of curling and friendship, conceded the game to the Scots as they were not in a position to progress in the competition. The Irish team, Marie O'Kane, Carolyn Hibberd, Gilly Drury and Christina Graham were leading 3-0 in the fourth end at the time. Fiona was taken to hospital by the emergency services and we wish her well for a speedy recovery.

Wed 20th April 2011 - Day 7

Men: IRELAND 2 AUSTRALIA 5 (21:30)

A three man Irish team went down to Australia 5-2 last night at the World Senior Curling Championships in Minnesota, USA, effectively ending their chances of progressing in the competition. The Irish were left a man short after lead David Hume was taken ill in the afternoon. He decided to start the game but had to go off half way through the first end, leaving PJ Wilson, David Whyte and Tony Tierney to continue. With the scores tied at two all the boys had the chance of a big end in the fourth but skip PJ Wilson's attempted take out Australian skip Hugh Milliken's excellent draw to lie second shot just caught a guard and the Irish had to settle for a single. The fifth end was blanked and the Australians took their one in the sixth. The next end was the turning point when PJ, having watched his first take out take a big draw, jammed his second stone back a bit when going for a bit more weight. Instead of hitting and sticking for one his stone stayed straight and just edged the Australian shot allowing the Aussie's to steal and take a comfortable two shot lead into the last end. The Irish, with Tony and David doing a sterling job of sweepings stones, got corner guards up but the Australians kept hitting them off. Luckily an opposition stone stayed to give the Irish some cover. David Whyte drew the eight foot but it was open for the take out. David left his second stone agonisingly just short of the rings and the Australians drew a second shot into the house. PJ first shot was an attempted tap back on the shot and roll behind cover but it drew too much and ended up sitting third shot at the back of the eight foot. Hugh Milliken tried to guard both stones but it drew half a stone too far. PJ was left with a difficult double raise and save his shooter to get his two. His stone was well played but got too much of the first stone, which jammed on the second Australian counter leaving the Aussie's lying game.

Women: IRELAND 3 CANADA 10(18:00)

The Irish ladies went down to hot favourites Canada 10-3 tonight, but they managed to take two ends off the slick Canuck curlers and if skip Marie O'Kane had made an open take out for a two with her last stone in the sixth, instead of leaving the Canadians lying one, who knows what might have happened? The team, Marie O'Kane, Carolyn Hibberd, Louise Kerr and Christina Graham regressed to losing a big end in the first before getting to grips with the ice and the opposition. They scored a one in the second and a two in the fourth and were looking good to steal in the fifth when second Louise hogged a crucial guard leaving the Irish shot in the house unprotected. Deadly hitting from the Canadians gave them a three count. The girls got back on form in the sixth but the missed take out took the Canadians out of reach. Afterwards, coach Johnjo Kenny said: "We are the must frustrating team. We can play all the shots but just make silly mistakes sometimes." During the traditional drink in the bar the Irish girls were told that the Canadian coach had warned his team before the game not to underestimate the Irish. "They only power up in the fifth end", he said.

Women: IRELAND 3 SWITZERLAND 6 (11:00)

"Curling doesn't get any better than this" was one American's comment in the crowd that watched an enthralling cat and mouse game between Ireland and Switzerland here at the World Senior Curling Championships in St Paul, Minnesota. But it was to be a last end heartbreak for the Irish team, Carolyn Hibberd, Louise Kerr, Gilly Drury and Christina Graham, when the Swiss skip nominated and played an outrageous long double angled raise to remove the Irish counter buried behind a clutter of guards on the button. With both teams rarely missing a shot it all came down to the last end. Without last stone Christina and Gilly got guards out front along the centre line and Louise drew to the pot lid behind the cover. The Swiss could only look at raising a stone onto the shot but each attempt got the angles wrong. Skip Carolyn saw the only chance the Swiss had to win was the 100 to 1 double raise and she attempted to get a shot in between the two stones but her shot needed to draw another six inches to stop the raise. The Swiss skip played strike weight and nailed it to lie three. John Jo Kenny, the Irish coach could only say: "I want to cry." Skip Carolyn added: "That was a great game of curling today, it was very tactical, which I like. In the end we lost to a great shot. But the team played so well today."

Men: IRELAND 6 NEW ZEALAND 7 (11:00) - after an extra end

It was the usual story for the Irish men's team, PJ Wilson, David Whyte, Tony Tierney and David Hume in a must win game against the Kiwis. Two and ones were exchanged to tie at six all in the eighth. With last stone advantage, the team kept the road to the four foot clear for their skip. With Ireland lying three at the top of the 12 foot, the Kiwi skip, Peter Becker drew into the four foot, using the Irish stones as cover. PJ with his last stone decided to draw the button. He played an out turn but it hung agonisingly wide for what seemed like an eternity. A stone was looming in its path and although the stone started to draw it just clipped the edge and the game was lost. Coach Anne Wilson and her backroom staff of Frances Whyte and Charlotte Tierney say they have no fingernails left.

Tue 19th April 2011 - Day 6

From Bob Cowan of Skip Cottage Curling we have some on ice photos of most members of the teams.

Mens: L-R: Peter Wilson, David Whyte, Tony Tierney and David Hume.
Womens: L-R: Marie O'Kane, Carolyn Hibberd, Louise Kerr and Gillian Drury.

Men: IRELAND 5 WALES 4 (08:00) - after extra end

The Irish Men's team at the World Senior Curling Championships in Minnesota keep putting their loyal band of supporters though the mill by winning their games after an extra end. The team, PJ Wilson, David Whyte, Tony Tierney and David Hume met Wales in the 8am session and got off to a great start with singles at the first three ends. The Welsh hit back with singles at the next four ends but a single in the eighth for the Irish saw the game tied at four all. With David Whyte's first stone, PJ asked for a tee weight draw. Welsh third Hugh Meikle's strike just nudged the Irish stone in behind cover lying on the back eight foot. David drew to the top 12 foot to lie two at the front and Hugh missed the back shot with his attempted double take out. PJ Wilson, with his first drew top 12 and Chris Wells tried to clear the guard but only succeeded in punting the Irish onto the wings to lie two again. PJ had the choice of a draw on the out turn or guard the winger on the tee line to snuff out the hit and roll. He decided to draw but the sweepers were late getting onto the stone and it wrecked on a front stone. The hit off the Irish winger was staring Chris Wells in the face but he played wide. The Welsh boys swept hard hoping the get the side of the stone for the double take out. He hit both stones but third Hugh swept the nearest one out while the second stone trundled right across the rings to settle in the back 12. One shot to the Irish and a second win. Afterwards skip PJ Wilson said: "We put ourselves under pressure. The boys played well but I missed two or three crucial shots and that's why we ended up playing an extra end. Wales played well and that last stone was the first one that Chris missed in the whole game. But we are glad to get another win."

Woman: IRELAND 11 RUSSIA 1 (11:30)

There was a much more assured performance from the Irish Ladies team at the worlds when they blasted the Russians off the ice with some excellent shot making. The team, Marie O'Kane, Carolyn Hibberd, Louise Kerr and Gilly Drury were in command from the first end, forcing the Russian skip to hit for shot or lose a big end. The girls got a big five in the second end with good hitting from Marie with her final two stones. The girls piled on the pressure taking a two in the third and a single before the fourth end break. A two in the sixth and a single in the seventh and it was handshakes all round and off to the bar. Coach JohnJo Kenny said: "This win was long overdue and I was pleased for the girls." Skip Marie O'Kane added: "I am just delighted we have this first win and getting a five on the board early on in the game just boosted our confidence. I am happy with my team.

Women: IRELAND 1 SWEDEN 9 (21:30)

The Irish women's team went down 9-1 to the two time former World Senior Curling Champions Sweden in their late night game here at the World Senior Curling Championships in St Paul, Minnesota. The team, Marie O'Kane, Louise Kerr, Gilly Drury and Christina Graham, kept pace with the experienced Swedes for the first four ends and should have gone into the half time break tied at three all. But skip Marie's last stone failed to guard the two Irish shots on the four foot and the Swedes took the double to go into a 5-1 lead. In a reverse of their previous games, there was no comeback from the Irish girls this time and after losing two shots against the the head at the next two ends they shook hands.

Mon 18th April 2011 - Day 5

Women: IRELAND 9 JAPAN 11 (18:00)

"We play a better inward half" was Irish Ladies' third Carolyn Hibberd's golfing analogy for another brave comeback by the team in their evening game against Japan in the World Seniors. The team, Marie O'Kane, Carolyn Hibberd, Gilly Drury and Christina Graham got off to the worst possible start when losing seven shots against the head in the first two ends. But once more, the ladies turned things round in spectacular fashion in the sixth and seventh ends by scoring fours in both. At the last end there was a big chance to win the game as a straightforward plant on the only Japanese stone in the house would have left the Irish lying three, but Marie elected to play tap back weight and was a fraction too light. The Japanese then drew to the top of the 12 foot, leaving Marie with a tricky skinny double for a game winning four count, but her strike weight stone drew too far and the Japanese skip did not need to play her last stone.

Women: IRELAND 2 USA 8 (11:00)

The Irish Ladies team, Marie O'Kane, Carolyn Hibberd, Louise Kerr and Christina Graham came out in second place against the USA team in their second game in the World Senior Curling Championships here in St Paul's. The USA girls, playing on their home ice took two's at the first three ends before Ireland finally got a deuce at the fourth end. The Irish girls were all playing well but just couldn't get shots hidden on ice that was much straighter than yesterday. Skip Marie O'Kane said: "The USA team were lovely opposition to play against and we enjoyed the game. We had some nice moments today and I was pleased with the team who were all focused and relaxed. The ice was nice to play on."

Men: IRELAND 6 LATVIA 5 - after extra end (14:30).

PJ Wilson played a brilliant last stone to beat Latvia in their second game in the World Senior Curling Championships in St Paul, Minnesota. Having lost a bad three in the third end, PJ showed his nerve by making a draw to the button for a two in the fourth to go into the break three shots all. Successive steals in the fifth and sixth ends saw the Irish boys, PJ, David Whyte, Tony Tierney and David Hume, in a comfortable two shot lead but after losing a shot in the seventh, PJ, facing two Latvian counters in the back eight foot, elected to strike instead of drawing for the win. He hit one but rolled over the top of the second shot, allowing the Latvians to steal a single and take the game into an extra end. After some very shaky shots early on, a cracking second stone from David Whyte put the Irish in better position. There were still two Latvian stones at the top of the 12 foot when PJ went down play his first stone. Taking plenty of ice he drew perfectly in behind the Latvian counters, and with no raise on, the Latvian skip's only option was to try and chip the stone off the four foot. Thankfully, his stone was too heavy and sailed on past. The boys had their first win on the board.

Sun 17th April 2011 - Day 4

On ice

Women: IRELAND 8 CZECH REPUBLIC 10 (18:00)

The Irish ladies opened their campaign tonight with nerves playing a big part in the scoreline. In a bizarre game, the team, sponsored by Albert Bartlett, fought back from what seemed a lost cause at the half time break, when they were 10-0 down. But after a pep talk from coach John Jo Kenny they won the next three ends and were lying peels at the eighth after skip Marie O'Kane had played her last stone. But the Czech skip nailed her final take out to secure the win. Coach John Jo said: "After a nervous start we showed our abilities in the second half and hopefully that will continue for the rest of the competition."

Men: IRELAND 3 SWITZERLAND 8 (21:30)

The men's team, sponsored by Albert Bartlett also lost their opening game at 21:30 to a slick Swiss team. The first few ends were a stuggle for the Irish boys with skip PJ Wilson having to play "trick shots". A loss of four in the third end meant that they were chasing the game and they shook hands at the end of the seventh. Afterwards skip PJ said: "We were playing trick shots to stay in the game and that couldn't last."

Off ice

Carolyn, Christina and Louise visited the King Tut exhibition at the Science Museum and were raving about the Egyptian artefacts they had seen for the rest of the day. Anne Wilson hauled PJ along to the Mall of America and unsurprisingly, they returned with no bags to show off. PJ declared it was "not his kind of thing". Meanwhile, Charlotte Tierney hasn't been seen much since she discovered the 984 shops there.

We would like to add in the team's thanks for all the messages of support we have been receiving.

Sat 16th April 2011 - Day 3

On ice - Today we finally got onto the ice.
The ladies team had their practice at three in the afternoon and the men's team at seven in the evening. The ice was good with big swings on both hands and a draw to the tee line was around 2.8 seconds - so not lightening fast.

Both teams used the session to get used to the conditions and the feel of the ice. Johnjo Kenny, coach for the ladies, gave sound advise on matching stones and strategy. For a draw to the button on both hands, skip Marie O'Kane was having to give ice outside the 12 foot.
Hopefully when we get back to the rink today for the start of the competition the ice will not have changed too much.
We are all ready to get down to playing some competitive curling now after being here for what seems like an eternity.

Off ice - Another dull cold day. Back to the shops in the morning then lunched at the ice rink. The boys visited The Cheeky Monkey diner just up the road from the ice rink and enjoyed a excellent meal. At the team meeting mention was made of the discussion within the World Curling Federation to move the Seniors to November for 2012. But this has now been shelved and it will continue to be played in April. However the World Mixed doubles will not be run in tandem with the Seniors next year.

We attended the opening reception in our hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, last night. Billed as a "dessert" evening, we indulged in all manner of sweet treats and a selection of cheese and biscuits. The entertainment was provided by one of the volunteers who toured the tables doing sleight of hand card and rope tricks. The men's lead, David Hume, is turning into the Jonah of the ICA. A series of minor mishaps was crowned last night, when David was one of the unlucky 13 that got themselves stuck in a hotel lift for 45 minutes. Incarcerated with our Dave were the chief umpire, a seven months pregnant woman and a claustrophobic German. They finally got out when the emergency services in the shape of a team of Minnesota State firefighters came to the rescue, forcing the doors open between the eighth and ninth floors.

Fri 15th April 2011 - Day 2

Today was a day to get acclimatised to the city of St Paul's. After a leisurely breakfast in our hotel, the ladies and supporters headed across the road to Macy's department store for a little retail therapy while the men headed to Biff's Ice Rink for a practice game against the natives - who proved not to be friendly. "Cuffed" was skip PJ's comment when asked how the curling had gone. The problem seemed to be very swingy ice, something our skip is unfamiliar with in his home ice rink.

The ladies shopped and lunched then Carolyn and Louise set off on the number 21 bus to find the St Paul's rink - the venue for the World Seniors. The eight-sheeter rink is in a residential part of town, built in 1912 with an American Country club atmosphere. During our visit we were warmly welcomed by all the volunteers who were quick to point out that two local businesses, a pizza parlour and a breakfast pancake place were the proud sponsors of 'Team Ireland' for the week. Having checked out the facilities we asked directions for the bus back downtown. A misunderstanding led us to the outside of a fine wines outlet. Thinking it sensible to ask the locals for clearer instructions we found ourselves invited to a wine tasting session. Our host, who owned a substantial vineyard in the Nappa Valley plied the Irish pair with his finest Sauvinon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir before the ladies finally remembered they needed to catch the bus.



Later, the Irish 'toute ensemble' enjoyed a meal at an Italian restaurant to celebrate both John Jo Kenny and Charlotte Tierney's big birthdays and PJ and Anne Wilson's 30th wedding anniversary. Snow fell outside as we were eating but the big blizzard predicted for this weekend seems to be heading north east away from us.

Finally we will step on the ice today for our practice sessions and the serious competition is now only 24 hours away.

This year’s website for the World Seniors allows email messages to be sent to individual teams.

I remember how great it felt to receive messages of encouragement from home the first time I played in The Europeans when this facility was available.

If you want to send a message to the teams, follow one of these links: Mens Team and Womens Team

Thu 14th April 2011 - Day 1

The Irish teams playing in the World Senior Curling Championships have broken with tradition by arriving in Minneapolis/St Paul's in Minnesota, USA, the same day they left home.

The teams, sponsored by Albert Bartlett, now have a practice session on the ice tomorrow before attending the welcome reception with the 30 other teams competing for the World Seniors title.

The competition begins on Sunday with the women's team - Marie O'Kane, Carolyn Hibberd, Louise Kerr and Gilly Drury - playing the Czech Republic at 6pm and the men's team - PJ Wilson, David Whyte, Tony Tierney and David Hume - facing Switzerland at 9.30pm.