04/05/2026
⚫🔴 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝟳'𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 ⚫🔴
The 54th Carrick Sevens, sponsored by Guinness, took place over the weekend of 2–3 May in mixed weather conditions.
As Club President Raymond Crooks noted in his programme message, the entry to the Men’s Open competition was smaller than usual, partly due to Ulster competing in a Europa Cup semi-final that evening. Despite this, the tournament still delivered a high standard of rugby across both days. Off the pitch, the event retained its traditional charm, with “Frolics with Cheeser,” a rugby ball-and-spoon obstacle race, evening entertainment, and the ever-popular Reaper Burgers—whose service has been notably improved thanks to a new generation of volunteers.
Proceedings began with a minute’s silence in memory of Richard Price, the last surviving member of the original Sevens Committee. Richard remained actively involved in the event until last year, and his passing is a significant loss to the club and the wider rugby community.
Men’s Open (Saturday – sponsored by HF Law)
The Men’s Open competition featured several excellent matches. The Holmes Salver was won by Dark Horses, a composite side including two Carrick players, who defeated Queens Vets in the final.
Player of the Tournament: Adam Bennett
Plate winners: PSNI
Willis Bowl winners: Kaite Rugby (Fijian side)
Boys’ Under-18s (sponsored by Workwear Co)
A strong Coleraine team claimed the Everest Cup after defeating Malone in the final.
Player of the Tournament: Ryan McDowell
Plate winners: Instonians
Bowl winners: Carrickfergus
Women’s Sevens (Sunday)
Sunday showcased high-quality women’s rugby, with Queens Valkyries winning the Lynda Waring Memorial Cup.
Player of the Tournament: Katie Gilmore
Plate winners: Letterkenny
Bowl winners: Queens Pirates
With no Girls’ competition this year, Carrick Under-18s instead played a series of touch rugby matches against the senior Carrick ladies teams.
At the prize-giving ceremonies, President Raymond Crooks thanked all participating teams, including strong support from the Northern Ireland Fijian community and travelling women’s teams from Strabane and Letterkenny. He also expressed appreciation to sponsors HF Law and Workwear Co, the referees, the Sevens Committee, and the many volunteers whose efforts ensure the continued success of the tournament.