The 4th International Cup and 29th World Championships 2008 are over. The arena we transformed for the event has now returned to its original form and is now busier than ever with lots of different events.

To the University staff Worlds is just a great memory. To me it’s like a wonderful dream. Sometimes it’s so hard to believe it really happened.

2008 was momentous in many ways. Our WBTF president Lynda Garland, Canada, stepped down after leading us for 25 years. It was the last year for International Cup and Worlds to run together, and for the first time in the history of the WBTF we had a semi-final in the Senior Men division.

Ireland is a very small country both in terms of land and population size, but I think it is fair to say that our little committee rose to the occasion and did a great job in hosting these prestigious championships.

I would like to thank all the member countries who offered their help and expertise, especially Sandi Wiemers, USA, who guided us through the whole set-up programme.  To Pam Sheldrake, England, our International Cup Contest director.  Al Thibeault,  Canada, who did such a terrific job in the Tabulation room, with the help of volunteers from England, Australia, Italy, USA and of course Amanda, Suzanne, Sandra and Bianca from IRELAND.

Last but not least to my own family who worked so hard to make it the success it deserved to be.  My son David who had a great idea in 2003 that Ireland should host Worlds and worked tirelessly to make it happen.  My daughter Susan who took on the job of World Contest Director and ran the whole thing like clockwork, and last but not least to my wonderful husband Syl, who is responsible for bringing the sport of baton twirling to Ireland in 1973, because he thought girls were neglected when it came to alternative sports, but ended up with a son who has twirled since he could walk and shows no sign of giving up.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh

Contributed by Bernadette Doyne - President, Baton Twirling Sport Association of Ireland