Women's World Cup fever is hitting Ireland this month, and it's not just the football team Down Under that will be getting pulses racing.
Much closer to home, Balbriggan is preparing to host the Women's Softball World Cup Group A at Balbriggan Softball Field, a temporary venue located next to the historic Bremore Castle in the Fingal Town.
The unique event takes on a new format this year, with Ireland hosting Group A, while Spain and Italy will host Groups B and C respectively later in July.
Women's Softball World Cup Group A
The Ireland national women's softball team will be joined in Balbriggan by five other nations - the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Botswana, and Chinese Taipei.
Two spots at the final stage in Italy next summer will be up for grabs, with the group using a round robin format.
Once that is complete, the nation that finishes first will take on the nation that finishes second, for the right to take their place at the final stage in Italy.
The third-placed team will take on the fourth-place team, with the winner of this tie facing the loser of first vs second for they right to claim the second spot at the final stage.
Family-friendly event
The family-friendly event will take the form of different themes throughout the week, including an LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusivity celebration on Wednesday July 12th, a celebration of Balbriggan on Thursday July 13th, and a US-style ‘Friday Night Lights’ theme on the penultimate evening of the Group Stage.
Ireland’s national women’s softball team features some of the stars of the sport such as Tennessee’s Women’s College World Series hero Jamison Brockenbrough, as well as Morgan State University’s Summer Rocha.
Meanwhile, Maya Brady - the niece of a certain NFL legend by the name of Tom Brady - will be lining out for the United States.
🏆🥎 New Two-Stage Format adds teams, host cities & excitement to XVII Women’s Softball World Cup.
🔝 A total of 18 teams have been placed into three different groups for the Group Stage.#SoftballWorldCupWhttps://t.co/Nlmaa0f73e
— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) July 5, 2023
A lasting legacy
"I’m delighted about the launch of the Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage A taking place here in Dublin," said Ireland Head Coach Dr. Melanie Cunningham.
"Not only do Team Ireland have a chance at reaching the finals of the World Cup but they finally get to play in front of a home crowd and leave a lasting legacy, in the wonderful purpose-built softball field, kindly provided by Fingal County Council."
Tickets for the Women’s Softball World Cup group stage are available now. Day passes are €15, weekly passes are €60 and a weekly family pass (2 Adult & 2 Children) is €145. For more information and for tickets check out softballwcireland.ie or tickets.ie.
