Irish Wheelchair Rugby (IWR) and IWA-Sport congratulates both Leinster Wheelchair Rugby Club (LWRC) and the Ulster Barbarians after their brilliant runs at the Bernd Best Tournament in Germany this weekend.
Leinster Wheelchair Rugby showed great skill and real determination, battling hard through tough competition within their tournament division to reach the final and securing an impressive silver medal (2nd Place). It’s a fantastic achievement on a European stage and really highlights the talent and effort in the club, as well as the strength of the game’s development in the province.
Competing in the very tough Advanced League division, the Ulster Barbarians also did Ireland proud. The team showed their quality and great spirit against top European sides, securing a really strong 5th place finish. Their performance demonstrates the high standard our Irish clubs are reaching internationally.
The Bernd Best Tournament, held annually in Cologne, Germany, is one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious wheelchair rugby club competitions. It attracts teams from across the continent who compete across multiple divisions based on skill level (including Advanced and Basic Leagues), making the achievements of both Irish clubs particularly noteworthy.
“We’re absolutely thrilled for both Leinster and Ulster after their brilliant performances in Germany,” said Séamus Ó Fátharta, Chairperson, IWR. “Seeing Leinster reach the final of their division and Ulster compete so well in the Advanced League really shows the progress being made and the real potential for wheelchair rugby right across Ireland. Fair play to all the players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters involved with both clubs – these results are a massive credit to them and great inspiration as we keep pushing to grow the sport here.”
Nicky Hamil, Director of Sport with IWA-Sport, the National Governing Body of Irish Wheelchair Rugby commended the teams on their victories stating, “Congratulations to both Leinster and Ulster Wheelchair Rugby Clubs on their performances in Germany. Week in, week out, both clubs train hard and it’s great to see their hard work coming to fruition against some quality Club teams in one of the most competitive Club competitions in Europe. On behalf of everyone at IWA-Sport, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the players, their coaches and everyone involved in their respective Clubs”.
Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, exciting, and inclusive sport for men and women. The success of Leinster Wheelchair Rugby and the Ulster Barbarians at Bernd Best shows the great pathway available here in Ireland and proves that Irish clubs can compete strongly at the top level internationally.
Huge thanks
Leinster Wheelchair Rugby Club would like to thank Rosie and Jim Chicken, who have supported the club faithfully for a number of years, making participation in major competitions like the Bernd Best Tournament possible.
Jonny Mulhall, Team Caption of Leinster Wheelchair Rugby Club said, “We are incredibly proud of the team’s performance this weekend. Reaching the final of the Bernd Best Tournament is a huge accomplishment. While we aimed for the top spot, finishing second against such tough competition shows the heart and determination of this squad. We fought hard in every game.”
The Leinster squad represented the province and Ireland with distinction. Players included:
- Jonny Mulhall (Kilare)
- Ciara Staunton (Wicklow)
- Jade Flynn Hurley (Rebel Wheelers Multi-Sport Club, Cork)
- Jack Squibb (Rebel Wheelers Multi-Sport Club, Cork)
- Alan Lynch (Co. Louth)
Ulster Barbarians Wheelchair Rugby Club would like to extend thanks to RES – Power for Good whose support was vital for this campaign. Participation in major international tournaments like Bernd Best is only possible thanks to the crucial backing of sponsors and supporters.
The Ulster Barbarians squad represented the province and Ireland with distinction, featuring players like:
- Andy Allen (Antrim)
- Sean Smyth (Down)
- Deirdre Mongan (Down)
- Conor Connolly (Tyrone)
- John McCarthy (Rebel Wheelers Multi-Sport Club, Cork)
- Carina Premstaller (Austria)
- Chris Meneilly (Antrim)
- Ciaran Bradley (Down)
Looking for more Wheelchair Rugby Action?
The Irish league comes to an end on 24th May with all three teams in with a chance of winning the league. Competition is set to take place at IWA-Sport HQ in Clontarf.
Get Involved with Wheelchair Rugby:
Anyone interested in experiencing this exciting sport is encouraged to get involved, regardless of previous experience. Clubs across the country welcome newcomers to come and try the sport. Key training locations and times include:
- Dublin Wheelchair Rugby – Wednesdays, 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena, Blanchardstown, Dublin
- Leinster Wheelchair Rugby – Tuesdays, 7pm at Annanough GAA Club, Vicarstown.
- Rebel Wheelers Rebel Wheelers – Mondays, 7pm-9pm at Scoil Bernadette, Montenotte, Cork
- Ulster Barbarians – Thursdays, 7pm-9pm at Wallace High School, 12a Clonevin Park, Lisburn BT28 3AD.
- Wicklow Wheelchair Rugby – Tuesdays, 6pm – 8pm at Temple Carrig School, Greystones
Beyond players, our clubs thrive thanks to dedicated volunteers. There are fantastic opportunities for coaches, mechanics (to help maintain the specialized wheelchairs), and general volunteers to assist with club operations, logistics, and events. Involvement also offers valuable practical experience for students or professionals in allied health fields such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
Click here to get in touch with a local club or find out more information
Who Can Play Wheelchair Rugby? Wheelchair rugby is open to athletes with different physical disabilities. To be eligible, a person needs to have an impairment that affects both their arms and legs. Common examples include, but aren’t limited to, tetraplegia (sometimes called quadriplegia) from a spinal cord injury, multiple limb amputations, polio, or neurological conditions like certain types of cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Players are classified based on their functional ability to ensure fair competition.
About Irish Wheelchair Rugby: Irish Wheelchair Rugby (IWR) is responsible for the promotion, development, and management of wheelchair rugby throughout Ireland. IWR supports clubs, develops athletes, and aims to increase participation and competitive opportunities in this exciting Paralympic sport.
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