Mullingar hosts thrilling Irish International Canoe Polo Open
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Jack Joyce.Image 2 of 9
Katelyn Nugent with the ball.Image 3 of 9
Photos by Eugene Sheil, MullingarImage 4 of 9
Joshua Johston.Image 5 of 9
Spectators enjoying a final.Image 6 of 9
Mullingar players on the move.Image 7 of 9
Eoin Sheil.Image 8 of 9
Caitriona MacDonald.Image 9 of 9
Mullingar 1, winning Bronze in Division 1 – Eoin Sheil, Conor Joyce, Oscar Swanson, Brian Jamieson, Jack Joyce, Donnacha Flynn, Patrick MacDonald and Coach Rimvydas Insoda.Mullingar Harbour was alive with energy last weekend as the town hosted the 2025 Irish International Canoe Polo Open, and more than 250 athletes from across Ireland and the UK. The two-day spectacle showcased the best of the fast-paced, highly skilled sport, with nail-biting matches in all three divisions.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Mullingar Canoe Polo Club chairperson Ivan McDonald said: “We had a fantastic weekend at the 2025 Irish International Canoe Polo Open held at Mullingar Harbour. 35 teams and over 250 athletes from Ireland and the UK took part over two days and some fantastic matches were played in our exciting sport.”
Division one proved particularly gripping, and every semi-final and final was decided by a single goal. In the end, WWKC edged out Kilcock to claim first place, while Mullingar 1 clinched bronze, narrowly defeating Titans Oak.
Division two saw 15 teams battle it out, with visitors Titans Ash defeating Aberfan in a hard-fought final. The third-place playoff also went to the wire, as WWKC+1 overcame Mullingar two in extra time.
In Division three, Blazers claimed victory over Kilcullen, while Hotshots sealed third place with a win against Mullingar five.
The host club enjoyed a memorable weekend, reaching semi-finals across all three divisions and, notably, securing their first-ever division one medals. Mullingar’s youngest players also shone, with teams Mullingar six and seven, featuring athletes as young as nine, recording their first Division three wins.
The Open capped off a remarkable year of activity for Mullingar Canoe Polo Club, which has already hosted the National Club Championships, a junior competition, and the Mullingar Open in 2025.
“This was Mullingar’s fourth tournament to host this year,” added Ivan McDonald. “It’s been an incredible season for the club, and this weekend was a real highlight.”