The championship concluded in Appenzell today with the closed 640kg competition. 13 countries competed with 7 teams in Ireland group. The Irish had a tough start against South Africa but picked up a good 3 points. They followed that up with great victories over Netherlands & Sweden and went on to top the group with maximum points.
In the semi final they faced England who are always a tough prospect at 640kg. There was very little movement in the rope in the first end for the first few minutes but England were very strong and did not give in to the pressure as they went on to win the end. Ireland changed their tactics in the second end and went for power pushing it out in less than a minute. The third end was a grueling contest as Ireland attacked again but began to run out of steam as England responded. Both teams were exhausted at this stage in the intense heat but it was the English who suffered the most picking up 3 cautions and a disqualification as Ireland secured a well earned silver medal. This set-up a final showdown against Switzerland in an unreal atmosphere in front of their home fans. There was very little between the teams as the Irish attacked but the strong Swiss team never lost their shape and went on to win the first pull. Switzerland cheered on by their home fans went on to win the gold to add to the 580kg gold from yesterday. The silver medal winning Irish team were Joey Kehoe, Ollie Kehoe, Laurence Kehoe, Gerard Ferguson, Connell Ward, Mark Bergin, James Kehoe, Sean Roberts, Paul Rowland & Brendan Kehoe (coach).
Click here to see photos from day 4 in Appenzell.
Click here to see the presentation of the medals.
Congrats to all, I was glued to the live stream all day, some great pulling!