Carlow secures hosting rights for national track and field event till 2028

Today marks a significant milestone for Carlow as it proudly announces its selection as the host venue for some of the Cairn Community Games National Festivals until 2028: The Track and Field Finals, the Outdoor Teams Finals and the Arts and Cultural Weekend.

Amidst the tranquil setting of Delta Sensory Gardens, representatives from Cairn Community Games, SETU, Visual Carlow and Carlow Community Games gathered to unveil Carlow's designation as the host for these three major Festivals a year until 2028. This decision reflects a shared commitment to fostering community engagement and sporting and artistic participation, promising a vibrant platform for celebrating talent and camaraderie.

Building upon its legacy of excellence and renowned for its top-notch facilities, South East Technological University (SETU) emerges as the venue of choice for the Athletics and Outdoor Teams National Festival Events. Reflecting on the success of the past year’s events held in SETU Carlow, Gerry McGuiness, President of Cairn Community Games, highlights the August 2024 weekend in SETU as a culmination of achievements and a celebration for all involved. He notes that track events will be once again streamed globally, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers, enhancing the excitement and excitement of the occasion.

David Denieffe, Vice President of SETU Carlow added: “We are delighted that Carlow has once again been chosen as the home for the Cairn Community Games Arts, Athletics and Outdoor Team National Finals. At South East Technological University we have a great relationship with Cairn Community Games and our partners in Carlow. We look forward to the provision of the Outdoor Team and Athletics events on our South Sports Campus and to the best event possible.”

The VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre will serve as the vibrant hub for the eagerly anticipated Cairn Community Games Arts and Cultural Weekend. Here, participants from all corners of Ireland will converge to exhibit their talents in various disciplines, promising a spectacle of creativity and artistry.

Gerry McGuinness expressed gratitude to the local authorities and venue hosts for their unwavering support, stating, "These partnerships underscore our shared commitment to fostering community spirit. We are thrilled to bring these events to Carlow, providing thousands of children with the opportunity to come together, celebrate, and proudly represent their counties, creating cherished memories for years to come."

As Carlow prepares to host these events in 2024, anticipation mounts for a vibrant celebration of talent, sportsmanship, and community spirit.

Cairn Community Games offers a diverse array of events to an estimated 160,000 children from across the Republic of Ireland. These events culminate in National Festivals, where approximately 9,000 children will showcase their skills and represent their counties with pride.

For more information on how to get involved, visit www.cairncommunitygames.ie