Canoe polo club make splash as Irish championship hosts

A fast-growing sport is making quite a splash in Mullingar, as the Mullingar Harbour Canoe Polo Club continues to go from strength to strength, both as a local sporting hub and a national meeting point.

Canoe polo, a fast-paced five-a-side sport played on water, combines the intensity of basketball with the balance and agility of canoeing. Played on a 35 by 23 metre pitch set up on lakes and canals, the sport is gaining increasing popularity across Ireland, and nowhere is that more evident than in Mullingar.

Established just six years ago, the Mullingar Harbour club now boasts more than 100 active members ranging in age from eight years to adults, making it the largest canoe polo club in Ireland.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Ivan McDonald, club chairperson, explained the journey so far: “We started small but have grown massively. We now run regular training sessions, cater to all levels, and host major events throughout the year. The club is really a great community.”

Last week, the club hosted the Irish National Cup Championships, one of the sport’s biggest competitions in the country, drawing some 200 players from across Ireland and Europe.

“It was a brilliant weekend,” Ivan said. “We had teams from all over, and Mullingar has really become the main venue in Ireland for the sport.

“The harbour is ideal as it is squared off and wide enough to set up four pitches side by side. At any time, there could be 50 players on the water.”

While the sport may still be considered niche, with around 1,000 players nationwide, its international dimension is a huge part of the Mullingar club’s appeal.

“As a minority sport, we’re almost pushed to travel more. This year alone, we’ve been to the Netherlands with 40 kids, we’re going to a junior international tournament in Belfast, and then Scotland for the Scottish Open in September,” Ivan said.

The Royal Canal has quickly become a popular venue for major competitions. At the end of August, the club will host the Irish International Open, a large event that is expected to attract more than 300 players, 60 competitors already confirmed from the UK and Europe.

“It’s shaping up to be our biggest event yet,” Ivan said. “It’s not just about the games, it’s about showcasing the sport, the town, and giving players and families a chance to travel, compete and connect.”

With the club continuing to thrive, Ivan hopes that a permanent home could be possible for the club.

“We’re hoping to build our own clubhouse near the canal if possible in the future,” Ivan said.

“It’s a challenge, but it would be a huge step forward for us with a proper base to support the players, host visitors, and grow the sport locally,” he concluded.