

Sports
2025 European Dodgeball Championships Coming to Limerick
Irish Dodgeball players Tamas Heitzmann, Treasa O’Rourke, John Taaffe and Ryan Hollinger pictured at the launch of the 2025 European Dodgeball Championships at the University of Limerick. Pic. Brian Arthur
Limerick will see more than 600 athletes from 21 countries come to UL in June 2025 for the European Dodgeball Championships

Limerick has been selected as the host city for the 2025 European Dodgeball Championships, marking the biggest marking the biggest event in the history of European Dodgeball Championships.
From June 26 to 29, more than 600 athletes from 21 countries will compete in men’s, women’s, and mixed events, showcasing the sports vibrant and growing presence across Europe.
This year’s event, to be held at University of Limerick, is a milestone for the sport, as it will be the first European Dodgeball Championships to include both Cloth and Foam ball formats. Dodgeball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world at the moment.
As athletes, their entourages, and supporters flock to Limerick for the four-day competition taking up to 2,000 bednights, the championships are expected to generate a significant economic boost of €500,000 for the Shannon region.
Speaking at the announcement Cllr Dan McSweeney, Príomh-Chomhairleoir of Limerick City & County Council, said, “Limerick being selected as the host for the biggest event in the history of European Dodgeball Championships is a testament to our city’s vibrant sporting culture and our commitment to fostering athletic excellence. We look forward to welcoming the 600 players alongside all of the spectators to Limerick in June. We are excited to witness the skills and sportsmanship on display.”
Tamas Heitzmann, Irish Dodgeball Association, explained why Limerick won the bid, “University of Limerick is an ideal venue for an international sports tournament, boasting world-class facilities, a vibrant campus, and a strong tradition of hosting major sporting events.
“Irish Dodgeball has long aspired to bring an international tournament to Ireland, and that dream is becoming a reality. We are thrilled to welcome our dodgeball friends from across Europe and show them what Irish Dodgeball with UL can achieve.”
Karen Ronan of the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau highlighted the importance of sports tourism to the region, “Sports tourism brings an economic boost to the region. In partnership with Failte Ireland, we’re delighted to support UL with this bid to attract another European championship to the Shannon area.”
David Ward, University of Limerick added, “We are delighted to host another prestigious international championship. This is testament to our world-class facilities and Limerick’s growing reputation as a hub for major sporting events.”
Athletes from 21 countries will compete in the EFD Championships with players representing Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Czechia, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, and Serbia.