Laura Fitzgerald and Ben Kasbeer, the reigning champions, expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that there was "no transparency in the selection process" of Pickleball Ireland, leading to their exclusion from the Irish team. They voiced their shock and anger over being overlooked for the European Championships in favor of a couple they had recently defeated in the finals. Their exclusion highlights significant issues within the governing body regarding fairness and inclusivity in the competitive selection process.
The couple revealed their discontent with the governing body's decisions, stating they felt disrespected and let down by the organization they believed should support their achievements. Fitzgerald highlighted, "It's disappointing not just for us but for all players who strive to compete at the highest level. We deserve a fair chance, and this situation undermines the hard work we've put into the sport."
Ben Kasbeer commented on the lack of communication from Pickleball Ireland, saying, "We were not given any clear reason as to why we were excluded from the team. This lack of clarity raises questions about how selections are made, leaving us and our supporters feeling frustrated and confused. We expected better from our national body, especially after our accomplishments this year."
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