Dublin, here we come …

The Irish Curling Association received an early Christmas present recently with the news that following extensive discussions with South Dublin on Ice, we have secured ice in Ireland to promote curling.

The event, which will be held on the temporary ice rink created this winter at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on 16/17 January 2019. We have been assisted by the World Curling Federation using their Development Assistance Programme (DAP) funding.

The event is not only approved by the World Curling Federation, but also incorporated into its Olympic Celebration Tour. Which allows the ICA to get the curling message into schools in the Tallaght area of Dublin as well. Having this status means Olympic curlers Anna Sloan and Michael Goodfellow and qualified coaches will travel to Ireland to raise awareness and be on the ice to assist anyone interested in trying the sport – adults, children and wheelchair users.

Several members of the ICA including Johnjo Kenny and David Whyte will also be there to assist with the come and try sessions and take part in a demonstration game.
This is very exciting news as it could open the door to the ICA’s primary aim – a permanent curling facility in Ireland.

The ice rink at Tallaght is only temporary, but with other ice sports such as skating and ice hockey also looking for a home, raising awareness and creating a demand is paramount.

An ICA sub-committee has been working hard behind the scenes to get the event organised. Stones need to be taken over and the ice prepared. The logistics of equipment, transport, marketing and accommodation are well advanced and online booking of come & try sessions is now available.

Come & Try Event

ICA President David Whyte said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase curling as we seek to develop closer relations with other winter sports, the public sector and commercial enterprises. We aspire to establish the sport of curling in Ireland and increase the membership if the ICA.
“Our thanks go to the World Curling Federation whose support will help us promote the event, as well as giving the visit the kudos of an ‘Olympic Celebration Tour’ event, which automatically involves curlers who have taken part in past Winter Olympic Games. This will give the event priceless publicity with the Irish media.
“All we need now are people to register for a session via our website and then come along to Tallaght and try curling.
“I love curling and I just want others to try it and hopefully get the same enjoyment out of the sport as I do.”