Lisburn, Northern Ireland – April 2024

The Kukri Irish Nationals 2024 served up four unforgettable days of competitive spirit, community connection, and world-class pickleball — right in the heart of Lisburn.

With players from across Ireland descending on the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, the event proved once again why it’s the highlight of the Irish pickleball calendar.

🎾 The Best of Irish Pickleball

Hosted by Pickleball Ireland and proudly sponsored by Kukri Sports, this year’s Nationals saw record-breaking entries across all divisions — from 18+ to 70+, with competitors showcasing their skills in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles.

Over 300 players competed across four packed days, with thrilling matches, dramatic tie-breaks, and fantastic sportsmanship on every court. Whether it was seasoned veterans chasing gold or first-time participants soaking up the atmosphere, the energy was electric.

And thanks to the exceptional support from Raqt, our tournament software partner, the scheduling and scoring ran like clockwork — allowing players and fans to focus on what really mattered: the game.

🌟 Atmosphere & Community

From early morning warmups to late afternoon finals, the buzz inside the venue was contagious. Friends reunited, clubs connected, and new rivalries (and friendships) were born.

The addition of a vibrant Players Village added even more colour to the event — with vendors, equipment stands, coffee carts, and giveaways making it a true celebration of all things pickleball.

Players commented on the amazing court surfaces, smooth transitions between matches, and the fantastic hospitality of the Lisburn community, who helped create a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone.

💚 A Landmark for Irish Pickleball

This year’s Irish Nationals wasn’t just bigger — it was better in every way. From professional event logistics to high-quality refereeing and the support of key partners like Kukri and Gamma, the tournament reflected how far the sport has come in Ireland.

And the level of play? Rising fast. We saw higher DUPR ratings, more tactical depth, and greater court coverage across every age group — a clear sign that Irish players are gearing up to compete not just nationally, but across Europe and beyond.

🚀 Looking Ahead

The Irish Nationals are more than just a tournament — they’re a launchpad for the future. With momentum building and participation growing in clubs across the country, Ireland is poised for even greater success on the international scene.

Next stop: Rome 2025 for the European Championships, and before that — a packed calendar of domestic events and the Pickleball Ulster Open 2025 in Craigavon this June!

🙌 Thank You

A massive thank you to:

• Kukri, for sponsoring the tournament and kitting out our top players

• Sketchers Pickleball, for their sponsorship and constant support of the sport

• Celtic Pickleball, for supplying official match balls and a brilliant raffle prize

• Tournify, for seamless tournament management

• And to every volunteer, referee, and supporter who gave their time and energy to make the event run smoothly

Your passion fuels the growth of pickleball in Ireland.