Bishop Galvin pupils take to the courts at Star Padel, St Marys College RFC Templeogue as the Hiscox Padel Irish Open introduces the sport to pupils registration for free public tickets now available

More than 100 sixth-class pupils from Bishop Galvin National School in Templeogue stepped onto a padel court for the first time yesterday, as the Hiscox Padel Irish Open delivered a grassroots schools activation day at Star Padel, St Mary’s College RFC.

The event, organised by Forefront Group and supported by title sponsor Hiscox Ireland, saw 118 students coached by Padel Federation of Ireland (PFI) through padel sessions across three dedicated courts at the tournament venue. PFI-qualified coaches led each session, giving the young players an introduction to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports in the community where the Hiscox Padel Irish Open will be hosted this year from July 15th to 19th

For many of the pupils, Tuesday’s event marked their first ever encounter with padel, a sport that has seen explosive growth across Europe and is now firmly establishing itself in Ireland.

Organised by Forefront Sports and the Padel Federation of Ireland, the Hiscox Padel Irish Open will once again form part of the Cupra FIP Tour, the International Padel Federation’s global circuit.

This year, however, the international padel event will also host a Hiscox Village, a family zone where families, schools and clubs are invited to come along for free and experience the atmosphere of professional padel.

There will be live match action, interactive activities, food and refreshments, and a vibrant sporting atmosphere suitable for all ages and whether you are a seasoned padel fan or a complete newcomer.

Cian Branagan, CEO of Forefront Group said: “Sport has an incredible ability to unite a community, and that is exactly what we hope the Hiscox Padel Irish Open will do for Templeogue. Seeing over 100 local children play padel for the first time, at the venue that will host the tournament, was a really special moment. We can’t wait to welcome the wider community through the gates in July”.

David Coffey, Head of Sales and Distribution, Hiscox Ireland said: “Hiscox has always stood apart by specialising in complex, non-standard risks. When we looked at padel, we saw a natural fit. It’s a sport that demands skill, precision and expertise, and it’s supported by a fast-growing community that is still at an early stage of growth in Ireland.

We’re not in the business of following the crowd, we focus on what’s next. The Hiscox Padel Irish Open showcases the very best of the sport here, but its long-term success will be driven by grassroots participation. By introducing young players to padel for the first time, we’re helping to build the foundations for its future in Ireland.”

Members of the public can register for free tickets now at padelirishopen.ie/tickets.

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.