Kilkenny players to the fore on global stage in Derry

There was plenty of Kilkenny representation at the 2023 'FRS GAA World Games' last week.

The games were held in Owenbeg and Celtic Park, Co Derry and welcomed over 1,500 players from 25 countries including: the Middle-East, North America and Britain.

After five days of action, the competitions came to a climax on Friday, with the Middle-East and Australasia winning the hurling and camogie events respectively. 

Six Kilkenny hurlers featured in the Middle East team that beat Australasia 1-23 to 3-14 in the hurling decider, with Jack Bruton (Danesfort), Robbie Fitzpatrick (Dicksboro), Conor Joyce (Rower Inistioge), Cillian Treacy (Dicksboro), Shane O'Mahony (O'Loughlin Gaels) and Eoin McGrath (John Lockes) each making important contributions.

A courageous Australasia, led by managers Paul Barron and Ronan Coffey of Carrickshock and Dunnamaggin respectively, also had Kilkenny influence with Peter McCarthy (Piltown), Billy Hanlon (Barrow Rangers) and Kevin Kenny (Dicksboro) all involved.

Australasia took the spoils in the camogie, beating the Middle-East in a competitive contest. 

The winning outfit consisted of Thomastown sister duo Meghan and Shelley Farrell along with Rachel Phelan (Danesfort) and Claire Nolan (Clara).

The beaten finalists featured Kilkenny's Aisling Foley (Windgap), and Aisling Nolan (Clara).