04/05/2026
โซ๐ด ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ณ'๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ โซ๐ด
The 54th Carrick Sevens, sponsored by Guinness, took place over the weekend of 2โ3 May in mixed weather conditions.
As Club President Raymond Crooks noted in his programme message, the entry to the Menโs 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 โFrolics with Cheeser,โ a rugby ball-and-spoon obstacle race, evening entertainment, and the ever-popular Reaper Burgersโwhose service has been notably improved thanks to a new generation of volunteers.
Proceedings began with a minuteโs 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.
Menโs Open (Saturday โ sponsored by HF Law)
The Menโs 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)
Boysโ 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
Womenโs Sevens (Sunday)
Sunday showcased high-quality womenโs 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 Girlsโ 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 womenโs 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.
