It might be a year late, but the Roller Derby roundup for September is here. Thanks so much to everyone who let me know what their leagues are up to! Let me know if I’ve missed anything and I’ll do my best to update.
In this edition
- Spotlight on DRD’s D2 triumph
- Shoutouts to Officials on Tour
- Upcoming Games
- Events
- Recruitment
Spotlight
It’s a pretty quiet month on the home game front so rather than doing a preview, I’m just going to review what was one of the biggest events ever in Irish roller derby, DRD Charter heading to D2 Playoffs/Champs in Pittsburgh.
Let’s get one thing straight – they weren’t even on the initial guest list. They were about a 4th round invitation – a bunch of leagues weren’t able to go and finally DRD got the call and despite the lateness, they said YES, HECKIN YES WE WILL DO THIS THING.
And boy HOWDY did they do it!
As 16th seed, The Mighty Dubs took the underdog mantle with relish, knocking out the 1st seed, Auld Reekie Roller Girls, in the first game of the tournament. They absolutely knocked the socks of the roller derby world all weekend.
They continued their streak by beating No Coast Roller Derby later in the day to qualify for Champs. Then the following day they beat Naptown Roller Derby in the Champs seeding game.
I should probably mention here that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE GAMES were extremely close. Like, people with cardiac issues should probably not have been watching/listening.
The third day of the tournament didn’t go Dublin’s way, as they lost to pals Paris Roller Derby in the semi and then once more to Naptown in the 3rd place playoff. But they played well, they played hard and they played like DUBLIN and they won a million fans in the process. Check out some of the reactions from Twitter:
**If WFTDA leagues were GOT houses**
— anna: outdoors edition (@annachronous) August 23, 2017
Gotham = Targaryen
Rose = Tyrell
Denver = Stark
BAD = Martell
Dublin = just Lyanna effin Mormont
This awesome article from the Apex captures the tone and excitement better than I ever could
Official Shoutouts:
Big ups to Miss Fury and Riff Reff of DRD as well as Jean Quad Grand Slam who are off to Malmö to officiate at D1 Playoffs this weekend. Shout out also to Kitty, who is at Playoffs doing important floor managery things! Nice one!
Upcoming Domestic/Home Games:
23rd September:
East Coast Cyclones take on a mixed team of Waterford Viqueens and Cork Firebirds (the FireQueens are BACK, woohoo!) in Shoreline Leisure Centre, Greystones. There might even be some more fun later on, but I don’t have final details as of yet.
Away Games:
23rd September:
Dublin Roller Derby C play Aul Reekie Roller Girls All-Star Rookies in Edinburgh
Also 23rd September
All-Ireland Roller Derby are off to Lille and will be playing France and Belgium as the road to the World Cup continues
Events and Fundraising:
September 12th:
Belfast Roller Derby is holding a Marvel vs DC table quiz in Lavery’s Mister Tom’s Lounge from 7pm
September 15th
Dublin Parking Day – DRD will be taking part in this awesome worldwide initiative facilitated by Dublin City Council. They will be doing fun Skatey things on their popup park on Dame Court.
September 22nd
Culture Night is often a big one and gives local leagues a chance to show their neighbours what they are all about.
Let me know if you are organising something for Culture Night and I’ll add it here.
Freshmeat & Recruitment:
Loads of Leagues have Freshmeat and/or Open Skating this month, but first things first, I want to show you an awesome blog post written by (I think) MTstruction of East Coast Cyclones – A good one to show to anyone who is thinking about dipping a toestop into the world of Roller Derby
Dublin Roller Derby
Dubin Roller Derby’s next FreshMeat intake starts on September 17th in Inchicore. Get in touch with them directly to enroll.
Maiden City Flyers(Derry)
Derry’s Maiden City Flyers are beginning their next New Skater Intake on September 26th
Galway City Roller Derby
Galway City Roller Derby is currently running Fresh Meat (it started on the 3rd) Don’t worry if you’ve missed the start as they will accept new people until the end of the month.Fresh Meat takes place every Sunday from 5pm to 7pm in Arus Bóthar Na Trá in Salthill. – Email trainingGCSD@gmail.com to register
Limerick Roller Derby
Limerick Roller Derby is holding Open Skate sessions for people who would like to see what it’s all about. Taking place on September 20th and 27th.
Belfast Roller Derby
Belfast Roller Derby are finalising details of their newest intake of skaters. Get in touch directly to get the skinny.
Waterford City Viqueens
Waterford City Viqueens are having recruitment Tuesdays every week this Month also where they are starting from the very beginning – Roller Derby/ Roller Skating for Beginners
