Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Derby team travels to Ireland to take on Dublin Roller Derby
From a press release:
After months of fundraising, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Derby is heading to the Emerald Isle to represent Northeastern Pennsylvania in two roller derby bouts against the Dublin Roller Derby.
Members of the league’s B-level travel team, the Low Rolling Deuces, have been preparing, fundraising, and practicing in the hope of squaring off against Dublin, Ireland’s team on their home turf on Saturday, June 29.
Through the efforts of the all-volunteer league members and support from local businesses, what began as an idea has become a reality for about 30 skaters from the area.
“This trip was a dream of ours, and not many roller derby leagues of our size get this opportunity. We have worked hard to make it possible – months of hard work, planning, and fundraising have made this possible,” said League President Brandy “Tea Bagins” Ralston of Wilkes-Barre.
“We cannot begin to express our gratitude towards the donations received from the community, fans, family, and friends.”
The Low Rolling Deuces are members of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Derby, Northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier women’s flat track roller derby league. Since its inception in 2009 as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Radicals, their mission has always been to deliver a strong, positive, and athletic image in both the league and the community. This nonprofit group prides itself on providing positive role models for everyone, but especially girls and women.
The Low Rolling Deuces typically play teams in the tri-state area. During the 2018 season, they traveled to upstate New York, New Jersey, and all around Pennsylvania. The two games, or bouts, in Dublin on June 29 will be their first experience with international play.
“We cannot wait to represent NEPA as we take on roller derby teams from Dublin, Ireland,” Ralston said.
The Deuces have been sponsored in this effort by local businesses, including Runs with Scissors, Spacetime Mead and Cider Works, Pike Street Auto, Goddess Studio, AGS, Century Dental Associates, BS Farms, and the Crimson Lion Hookah Lounge and Cafe.
Before departing, the skaters will be preparing at practices held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Roller Derby Factory (4949 Birney Ave., Moosic). A majority of the rostered skaters will leave for Dublin from Newburgh International Airport on June 26 and return on July 3.
Learn about the history, rules, injuries, and more of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Derby in Episode 4 of the NEPA Scene Podcast:
Lead photo by Flash Photographic
