Celtic Challenge History

In 1989 the Scottish Petanque Association accepted an invitation to play Wales in Cardiff, won by Scotland. The return match was held in Sitrling in 1990 and, following a request from Northern Ireland to be included, the Celtic Challenge was formed. In 1991 the Irish Petanque Association was formed and the 3rd Celtic Challenge was held at Clandeboyne, NI.

The Celtic Challenge is played over two days. Each nation supplies 4 teams of 3 or 4 players, with the host nation supplying an additional ‘B’ squad. The winner is the squad who achieve the most wins after 12 rounds (when each team have played against all opposing teams). The host nation’s A and B squad play each other in the first 4 rounds on the opening day.

Strong competition coupled with a social and friendly atmosphere combine to make the Celtic Challenge one of the highlights of the pétanque year.

Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 Celtic Challenges were not contested.

YearHostWinner
2024Wales – CaerleonIreland
2023Ireland – BangorIreland
2022Scotland – GlasgowWales
2019Wales – PontyclunScotland
2018Ireland – DublinScotland
2017Scotland – EdinburghScotland
2016Wales – CaerleonScotland
2015Ireland – CorkScotland
2014Scotland – FochabersScotland
2013Wales – LlanhennockWales
2012Ireland – BangorScotland
2011Scotland – TroonScotland
2010Wales – WenvoeWales
2009Ireland – CorkWales
2008Scotland – FochabersWales
2007Wales – AbergavennyWales
2006Ireland – DublinIreland
2005Scotland – InvernessScotland
2004Wales – BreconIreland
2003Ireland – BangorScotland
2002Scotland – StirlingWales
2001Wales – PontypoolWales
2000Ireland – CahirIreland
1999Scotland – DrymenWales
1998Wales – BreconScotland
1997Ireland – CastlewellanWales
1996Scotland – PerthWales
1995Wales – CardiffWales
1994Ireland – CorkIreland
1993Scotland – TroonWales
1992Wales – BreconWales
1991Ireland – ClandeboyneIreland
1990Scotland – StirlingScotland
1989Wales – CardiffScotland