News from Ireland and Northern Ireland - February 2023

 Irish Subbuteo Championship Circuit Round 1 Donegal

Venue: Orchard Bar, Letterkenny

A good venue, central to the town. The room was probably big enough to host something 2 or 3 times the size of competition if needed. Did the job perfectly.

Competition: Round 1 of the 2023 Irish Championship. 15 participants. 3 groups of 5. Top 2 plus 2 best 3rd placed teams played out the main event with the remaining 7 playing out a plate competition.

Outcome: In the end no real surprises. Mark Farrell beating Kenny Beggs in a close final. In the Plate Oisín Mór lost by 1 goal to Mark McCrossen who is returning to the game after a few years out.

Although the usual suspects fought out the main prize this competition was a bit closer than meets the eye. We had plenty of close games in the groups as well as the knock-out. The final could of been quite different as both semi's went to penalties with neither victor getting a comfortable passage to the finale.

The standard of Subbuteo is improving big time in Ireland and this competition was proof. The youth policy in young Daniel is really starting to bear fruit as the youngster gave one or two established players a fright in the group stage and only lost on penalties in the Plate Semi. This boy will be lifting trophies in the near future.

Many thanks to Donegal SC and their stalwards Brendan Rodgers and Classically Trained (Frankie) for organising a great day.

The road show moves onto Ballymena next month.

Kenny Beggs at ken@nitfa.org.uk is the contact if you are interested in playing. http://www.nitfa.org.uk/

NOTE: The Irish Subbuteo Championship Circuit is run in 5 venues over the year. The event is open to none Irish players ie. all players are welcome. 

Link: Irish subbuteo Championship on Facebook

Tralee & Munster SC results

On February 20, 2023 the Tralee & Munster SC players had a very entertaining night with many close games. Final standings were as follows:

1. Dave Elton 6 pts
2. Jeff Murphy 6
3. William Magnier 5
4. Cian Hogan 5
5. Greg Molone 5

Link: Tralee and Munster SC on Facebook

Derry City Winter cup

Martinog Bradley narrowly tops the table ahead of Oisin Mór, in our hastily arranged winter cup. The shed welcomed Nick Pearson back for his 4th shed appearance.

Link: Derry City TFC on Facebook

Poster of the next Irish Subbuteo Circuit tournament