A SPORT THAT DEMANDS ACCURACY, QUICK THINKING AND TOP CLASS HORSEMANSHIP

IRELAND is one of eight affiliated countries invited to compete in the 2019 Adina Polocrosse World Cup in Australia in April. Held every four years, the World Cup is the highlight of the polocrosse calendar and this will be Ireland’s fifth time to compete since the first World Cup in Australia in 2003.

A team of eight players will compete against the host nation Australia, in addition to the UK, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The eight-person squad has been confirmed as Stephen Nuzum, Conor Doyle, Luke Brandon, Seb Chambers, Debbie Harris, Dara Mangan, Joanne Lavery and Ruth Shanahan.

The sport is similar to polo in that each team of three must score into the opposition’s goal, but the players use lacrosse-style sticks rather than mallets. It demands good horsemanship, accuracy and quick-thinking and makes for a fantastic sport, which is steadily growing in popularity worldwide.

The sport was first developed in Australia in 1938 and introduced into Ireland in 1990 by David and Ivor Young. Their home club of Horetown, in Co Wexford quickly developed, with further clubs later starting countrywide. There are now 11 clubs across the country with some 120 members.

As a rule, polo requires a string of ponies, but polocrosse requires only one pony or horse per rider for a match.

A team consists of six players who are divided into two sections of three who play three alternate chukkas of six minutes each.

Grading

Riders are graded according to experience and skill — from beginners to advanced. Most types of horses adapt to the fun element of the sport, although thoroughbreds are most suitable.

Ireland hosts on average nine official tournaments during the polocrosse season, which runs from April to September. “We have some great competitions here in Ireland during the season, but to be invited to the World Cup is a great privilege,” says team manager Lorraine Scott.

“We will have eight team members travelling, as well as the back-up team. While the horses will be supplied when we get there, the cost of the trip is enormous. We have to raise almost €80,000 in order to travel.

“We are thrilled to have already received sponsorship from Euro Giant, Equine Warehouse, and Mainstream Renewable Power,” she adds.

Commenting on their sponsorship, Mainstream’s chief executive Andy Kinsella said: “Mainstream is very proud to be sponsoring the Irish polocrosse squad for the 2019 World Cup. This is a sport which promotes gender equality and teamwork; two things very close to our heart as we expand rapidly across the globe.

“We are delighted to mark the opening of our regional development hub in Australia. We wish the Irish polocrosse team the very best of luck in Queensland.”

The 2019 Adina Polocrosse World Cup takes place in Australia from April 22-28.