In the aisles of the European Championships padel, we met the smallest team represented at the European Padel Championship: Ireland. This team has a huge desire to promote the sport within a divided country. Barry Coffey, President of the Irish Padel Association makes us discover the padel in Ireland.

Northern Ireland being part of the British Padel, that will not be the subject of our conversation. Let us focus on the southern part of the country. Currently the padel is in the embryo stage. 2 entities in the territory for only 2 clubs. Barry tells us that for him, the best would be to bring together all the authorities. How ? Cancel the 2 current federations to create only one which would be recognized by the FIP. Difficult discussion at the moment when the work done is very good.

Let's go to Barry.

Today there are about 500 players divided into 2 clubs themselves. There are also hidden grounds across the territory, a club is very dynamic, located in a school, which creates summer courses for young Spanish people eager to learn English. The only drawback today is that classes are not covered ...

To come back to the Rome Open tournament, we are happy to have participated and carried the colors of our country high. Defeat against two good Italian players. We did not come to make a result but just to have a good time and meet Mr. Carraro, the president of the FIP. Personally, I turn to veteran tournaments. I will be next week in Geneva, end of the month in London. For me the padel it's life. I try on each tournament to promote the padel in Ireland which should soon see its first 2 fields covered. But I can't tell you where yet.

In April 2020 we are proud to announce that the Irish Padel Association will be part, one more year, of a veteran tournament which each year attracts more nations. We go from 4 to 6 and the meeting will be in Helsinburg in Sweden in a super club with 8 indoor and 5 outdoor courts. Perfect conditions to welcome the more than 50 players involved. English, Irish, Scots, Swiss, Monegasques and Swedes are currently engaged. We want to be more numerous every year.

I must thank my 2 sponsors who support and accompany our work. PadelTec, a land builder based in Edinburg, Scotland and Adidas Padel.

 

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.

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