There will be 2 more Leinster League events in April, then one in the summer, and 4 or 5 in the autumn. So probably 5 events to count to complete the league.  Anyone can win a prize in the league provided they complete the required number of courses, they don't have to be members of Leinster clubs.  While anyone can do any course, the categories for prizes are as follows: Brown, anyone.  Blue, any W, M45+, M18-, Green W45+, W18-, M55+, M16-, Light Green W55+, W16-, M65+, M14-, Red anyone provided they are not recognized experienced orienteers or members of the junior squad. Orange W14-, M14-, Yellow W12-, M12-.  However we will be flexible particularly in awarding prizes to juniors.  Clubs are welcome to add other courses such as Short Green, but they will not count in the league.

I am disappointed that we are not offering Short Green as standard and that it's not included in counting in a league. I suggest W65+ M75+ 

I am aware of the challenges of providing a short green course in some of our areas. If a separate short green is not provided then use the light green course. This will allow a full league. 

I am not a fan of multiple variations of green course. I suspect it is confusing for some novices, but at least most if not all experienced orienteers know the differences.

It is a select few that run Short Green, but when it has been offered it has been appreciated. Looking towards the future, to a time when Green or even Light Green may be too physically demanding for me, I would like a Short Green course as an option. If I am not willing to provide it now to those that need it, then perhaps I can't demand it or expect it when I need it.

The first event in the 2026 Southwest League will take place on Sunday
March 8th at BallyDavid/Ballydrehid, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.

TERRAIN DESCRIPTION
****************
The map covers an extensive area of nice forest and open ground. The
area was completely remapped in 2024, The map is at a scale 1:10,000
with 5m contours from Lidar, thanks to the IOA. The terrain is generally
fast with the bracken low and courses will make for interesting route
choice decisions.

ONLINE ENTRY
********
Enter online here:

https://www.orienteering.ie/fixtures/ballydrehid-and-ballydavid-2/&source=gmail&ust=1772659328872000&usg=AOvVaw2xoQ2OC6tIODToiExsNhv Q" data-removefontsize="true" data-originalcomputedfontsize="16"> https://www.orienteering.ie/fi xtures/ballydrehid-and-ballydavid-2/

We would encourage everyone to enter online if you can as this will
ensure we have sufficient maps available on the day.

COURSE INFO
******
Brown 8.7km, 440m
Blue 7km, 290m
Green 5.1km, 180m
Light Green 4km, 160m
Red 3.8km, 180m
Orange 3.4km, 140m
Yellow 2.1 km, 100m

DIRECTIONS
********
The assembly/registration is located at "Scarragh Wood" on google maps.

The area is reached through Cahir along the M7 motorway (50 mins from
Dunkettle and 90 mins from the Red Cow roundabouts).
The forest is accessible from Cahir Town via the Mountain Road (turn at
Aldi) which underpasses the motorway. The area is popular with local
walkers and bikers.

We would encourage car pooling if you can. Please follow parking
instructions on the day to make room for all.

Are there any provinces that "Leinster" hasn't expanded into yet? I'm looking forward to the first overseas "Leinster" event shortly 🙂

Regarding the courses, it's an age old argument with no clear solution but I'd much rather more frequent smaller events (with say just 3 courses for long/short technical/beginner), than having hard-pressed organisers striving to put on a full range of courses and ending up with a sparser calendar as a result. The recent night-o league was brilliant with an event every week in easily accessible locations (obviously that's very Dublin of me!). The weekly events meant I could set that time aside and get a routine going (albeit I didn't make many but we can gloss over that!). Of course there's the balance between 'dumbing down' the sport but I reckon more frequent events would build numbers and act as a gateway into the "proper" league events. The key is to make the smaller events worthwhile for experienced orienteers but hopefully the long and technical short courses would cater for that - all properly controlled and planned of course. Easier said than done I know, and the pool of organisers is rapidly depleting, but one can dream!