Laois lumberjacks ready to chop down competition at Timbersports World Team Championship in France

Laois' Gavin Thompson and Patrick Fitzpatricks are heading to Toulouse to represent Ireland at the STIHL Timbersports World Team Championship, where they’ll team up with Seamus Ryan (Carlow) and Daragh Clogher (Meath) in the grueling relay format. Thompson’s recent experience competing solo at the prestigious Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin has bolstered his skills and his spirit as he looks ahead to the event.

Reflecting on the intense level of competition in the U.S., Thompson called it “one hell of an experience,” comparing it to the challenge of “Laois going up against Dublin in the height of their powers.” Though he initially felt confident in his abilities, he noted, “you get into it and go, actually maybe I wasn’t [perfect].” Despite the intensity, the camaraderie among competitors was a highlight: “They were just so helpful with bits they were doing, little tips here and there I’ve been able to bring back to share with other lads.”

This upcoming tournament in Toulouse is an invitation-only event, where STIHL invites top competitors from across Europe and beyond. “The team event itself, which myself and three others are competing in, gets invited to compete. We’ve been at it for the last number of years, and it’s good to go out there and catch up with folk,” Thompson explained.

The team relay format will see each athlete tackle one of four high-speed disciplines, starting with the stock saw, where Patrick Fitzpatrick cuts a precise “cookie” from a high-powered chainsaw provided by STIHL. Once the cookie drops, Thompson begins his underhand chop. As he finishes, Seamus Ryan starts on the big crosscut, or singlebuck, saw, followed by Daragh Clogher, who completes the event by cutting through a standing block.

With only four male athletes and two female athletes involved in Timbersports across Ireland, the team has built strong bonds over the years. “We kind of meet up every second Saturday. We’ve known each other for the last 10 years or so now. There’s a good camaraderie there,” Thompson shared, noting the niche nature of their sport in Ireland.

As they prepare for Toulouse, Thompson is optimistic but realistic about their goal. “I think the world record is 50-odd seconds,” he said. “We’d be hoping just to get into the 1:20, under the 1:20, that kind of way. We’re up against some mad mountains but look, we’re going to give it a shot and we’re going to give it our best. It’s all we can do.”