“Really enjoyed the initiative. I organised for myself and 4 colleagues to go kayaking. All of us inexperienced and mixed ages/backgrounds. It was very well organised and great fun. Something we will definitely try again. Instructors were extremely competent and organised. We were only sad we didn’t get to try more activities. Thank you very much.” – Grace
“I took part in Social Kayaking. Loved it. Matt and his crew were brilliant giving instructions and encouraging everyone. Would love to do it again. Thanks to Laois Sports Partnership for putting on all the different sessions.” – Noeleen
“I took part in Her Outdoors Kayaking event in Vicarstown. Very well organised event from start to finish. Very good equipment provided. Beautiful setting. Safety was well covered. I got great benefit in partaking so much so that I want to enrol in a few sessions of kayaking with a view to joining Vicarstown Kayaking club. I’m not young but I feel it’s a sport for any age. Great idea for taster events to get people involved and interested. I’d definitely recommend.” – Catherine
“I can only say I never laughed as much…it was the best fun. Deirdre, Matt and Padraig were brilliant. They took us all home safe and sound. This was my second time Kayaking. A great group experience. Thank you for all you do with sports.” – Anna
“I participated in the tennis taster in Rathdowney with Bryan from Tennis Ireland as our instructor and Helen as organiser. It was a great hour, flew by, fun and friendly environment, fresh air, and exercise. Bryan was a helpful, calm, and professional coach. Looking forward to further sessions.” – Mary
“I really enjoyed the introduction to tennis in Rathdowney. There was a great turnout, a really nice atmosphere and the coach Brian was really good. There was a mix of abilities, but the coaching and drills were varied so all levels enjoyed it. Brian was really encouraging, organised and enthusiastic. Helen was very positive and motivating too.” – Alma
“Thanks for organizing the (gym) taster session for us last night. Really enjoyed it. I’m signing up for a month, so we’ll see how I get on. We all enjoyed it!!” – Sheila
“We signed up for the Yoga in Nature Event as part of Her Outdoors Week. This started with a boat cruise on the canal in Vicarstown – very enjoyable, Anthoney was full of local knowledge, would highly recommend it (Blueway Canal Tours). This was then followed by a short walk back to the Old Vicarstown school for a Yoga class with Alice of Alice in Yogaland – this was lovely – nice to have some stretches and movement after sitting on the boat. At the end she did yoga Nidra with us. So relaxing! We had a lovely group of ladies on the day with us too, plenty of laughs and chat! Highly recommend a similar event for next year!!” – Síle
“I took part in the boat trip and yoga…it was my first time for both. I found both activities to be a very pleasant experience. After the yoga, which was divine relaxation, Alice had the most delicious home baked treats, tea and coffee. It was a very interesting couple of hours, and it was lovely to meet the people in the group. The morning flowed beautifully, and I would be very interested in doing more such activities.” – Liz
“This was my daughters first time trying paddle boarding. She absolutely loved every minute of it and is now going to try taking it up as a full-time hobby. Thank you so much.” – Valerie
“My 12-year-old daughter took part and I have to say she absolutely loved it! The instructors were so nice and so helpful. She enjoyed every minute and has now discovered her love for paddleboarding! If you have any more upcoming paddle boarding/kayaking events, please let me know as I know my daughter would absolutely love to take part.” – Grainne
“A last-minute decision, with a lot of encouragement from a friend turned newfound hobby. Having never played soccer prior to the skills and drills night, was very nervous and unsure of what to expect. However, not only did Clare provide excellent easy to follow tips and tricks the atmosphere along with the ladies who participated were friendly and enthusiastic. I was immediately hooked on the new sport and plan to continue playing thanks to a great event.” – Mary
“My husband did the men’s kayaking and my kids have done the Inclusive Gym Camp and Blazing Saddles previously. They’ve been able to enjoy sports and new experiences which we wouldn’t be able to afford at full costs if it wasn’t for the Sports Partnership. It’s been of huge value to us.”
“I participated in the soccer skills session with FAI development officer Claire as part of HER Outdoors weeks. I am so delighted I participated. It was an excellent experience and one that has gotten me back in love with the beautiful game again! I am a mum of 2 with a busy job and, in recent years, had given up playing Women’s soccer due to the demands of life. However, in recent months, I began contemplating returning to the sport, however I was unsure of where to turn to and how to navigate my way back into a team. So, the opportunity to participate in the recent skills workshop provided me with the exact opportunity I needed! The evening itself was excellently run by the Laois Sports Development staff and the FAI. I thoroughly enjoyed the session. I’m delighted to say I now intend to play with the fledgling Clover FC women’s team, and I can’t wait for our season to start! Thank you to the staff at LSP, the FAI and Clover FC for running such an excellent event and for helping a busy mom-of-two to return to playing sport in a friendly and encouraging environment. The HER outdoors week is an excellent initiative and one that will hopefully go from strength to strength. Well done to all involved at LSP for organising such a brilliant week.” – Aoife
