Baton Twirling Sport Association

:: Press

Over the last few years, our association and athletes have been featured around the world and here in Ireland in newspapers, TV, radio and other publicity events. Below, details on such events from the last year with some information or further links to them can be found.

If you would like to contact us regarding further events or interviews etc, or add more information or pictures to this page, please contact our president - Bernadette Doyne. Details can be found on our contact page.

Irelands President Bernadette Doyne Radio Interview - 28th August 2007

Bernadette will be interviewed by a local Dublin radio station about Irelands achievements in Canada and the Championships being hosted in Ireland in 2008. More information to come.

David Doyne Features Full Page in Irish Sunday Tribune - August 19th 2007

Isabel Hayes from the National Irish newspaper interviewed David soon after Canada to speak of his own, and Irelands successes in the championships. The full story can be seen on their website by clicking here.

Irish Trials on TV with Athlete and Officials Interviews - August 2007

In April, Ireland held the national trials for World Championship and International Cup for Canada in NUIM Sports Hall, Maynooth Co. Kildare. OB Sports featured their recording of the competitions with some interviews from athletes such as David Doyne, Niamh Fitzgerald, Sandra Doyle and Sophie Doyne. President Bernadette Doyne was also featured.

The video will be available on the website very soon. Until then, it can be seen by following this link and finding Baton Twirling.

Irish Athletes Feature in Canadian Newspaper - August 2007

August 1st

David Doyne interviewed by the Hamilton Spectator, and Sophie Doyne mentioned just after the world championships music test. Some of the interview was published on August 1st.

But even the competition's veteran twirlers have hurdles to overcome.

Take 23-year-old David Doyne, the lone male on Ireland's twirling team.

Twirling since he was barely out of diapers, Doyne has endured a lifetime of teasing. Yesterday, he recalled the advice of his childhood coach -- "If you're going to twirl, you're going to have to learn how to fight."

But most of his injuries still come from twirling. At last year's championships in Rome, he competed despite breaking his finger in a pre-competition practice. His sister Sophie, 14, is also competing.

"I'm more nervous for her than for me," he said.

The goal for both brother and sister as well as every competitor during the five-day competition will be "a no-drop" or "all-catch" routine.

Click here for more.

August 2nd

Irelands 'Dream Stars' team made up of members of Bat'n High and Sapphire Twirlers from north Dublin are front page of the Hamilton Spectator. More here.

Pictured Sarah Sexton, Julie Hanna, Niamh Kearney and Leann Hickey

August 7th

Sandra Doyle (3C's Crumlin) and Niamh Fitzgerald (Rathcoole Twirlers) were interviewed after the competition.

Most twirlers hadn't heard of Steeltown before and say they've spent some "great few days here."

"I wish people can say the same when they come to my country next year," said Sandra Doyle from Dublin, Ireland.

Limerick, Ireland, is hosting next year's championship.

Doyle and fellow Irish twirler Niamh Fritzgerald have been to Canada before for championships, but Hamilton's hospitality has left them wonderstruck.

Like everyone, they wish they could have more time to go around the city. But almost everyone went to the waterfront and loved it.

"I'm staying for an extra week to explore the city and Niagara," said Doyle.

Full story here.

Meeting with an Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern - September 6th 2006

As part of the hosting of the World Championships and International Cup in Limerick, Ireland in 2008, the 'Meet Shannon-Limerick' tourist committee came to Dublin for a meeting with the Irish Prime Minister, an Taoiseach - Bertie Ahern, on September 6th 2006. Three of Irelands top athletes who represented us in the world championships in Rome, David Doyne, Sophie Doyne and Niamh Fitzgerald, were selected by BTSAI to represent our association at the meeting with Mr Ahern and the Shannon-Limerick Committee members such as Karen Brosnahan (pictured). It was a very successful event which was part of our publicising of the 2008 Championship. The three athletes met with Mr Ahern who was very interested in the sport and the hosting of the event. The camera crews and media staff were breath taken by the displays performed by the three athletes, who performed some rolls, 2 baton and pair work together for an Taoiseach in Leinster house. TV3 and RTE film crews were present, as well as photographers from newspapers around the country including the Evening Herald.

The Baton Twirling Sport Association of Ireland (BTSAI) is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Baton Twirling in Ireland and has recognition from the Irish Sports Council. The Association is also a member country of the (WBTF) World Baton Twirling Federation.