Ireland came 22nd out of 29 in the Quidditch World Cup

A valiant effort by the Wizards in Green.

Some of you who may have read the Harry Potter books, and far more who haven't, may be surprised to hear that an actual Quidditch World Cup takes place every year with actual people on actual sticks. According to the internet, 'Muggle Quidditch' is played with sticks used as brooms, which must be kept between the players' legs at all times. There are seven players on each team: three chasers, two beaters, one keeper and one seeker. There is also a snitch runner, who is not a member of either team. The chasers move the quaffle (volleyball) down the field by running or passing it to each other. The snitch runner wears the snitch (a tennis ball in a sock) tucked into the back of his shorts. His job is to avoid being caught by the seekers. He is the only player who does not "ride" a broom, and he can leave the playing field area. None of the rules that apply to the other players apply to him. And no, they obviously do not fly. Cop on. After a tight game, the winner of this year's Quidditch World Cup is the United States of America. The US won against Belgium with 120 points to 70 after the USA seeker caught the snitch. Turkey took third place, beating out the UK in the playoffs. The tournament was held in Florence, Italy over the course of four days (27 June - 2 July) as teams representing 29 countries battled to become World Cup Champions through both group and knockout play. Ireland was ranked 22nd out of 29 teams, after winning three matches against Switzerland, the Netherlands and Hong Kong. However Ireland lost to the USA, Vietnam, Malaysia and Austria. Disappointing considering the Boys In Green took home the World Cup trophy in the Goblet of Fire. But, there's always the tri-wizard tournament. After previously being held in Oxford, UK; Burnaby, Canada; and Frankfurt, Germany, this years edition in Florence, saw a record 29 countries represented, up from 21 in 2016. The tournament was also the first time that the International Quidditch Association has partnered with the Human Company to run the World Cup. “The match between the USA and Belgium was fantastic to watch as it represents the best quality play of our sport,” Rebecca Alley, the Executive Director of the International Quidditch Association, said.  “From two small teams in America in 2005, the sport has blossomed into 29 countries who are both competing and united. Here’s to another two years of growth, development, and great sportsmanship.” Photo credit: Clair Purslow