On Sunday last, 11th May, a selection of IKKU Junior Competitors took part in the 2014 Budo Nord Irish International Open in Tallaght Leisure Centre.

In the Girls Kumite Under 8, IKKU put in a dominant performance and swept the boards. Gold Silver and Bronze were all secured. Navan's Megan Carolan took the honours, defeating her club mate Lucy Mulhern in the final. Ashbourne's Kerry Gallagher finished in a well-deserved 3rd place.

In the Boys Kumite Under 8, Simonstown's Eoin Clynch continued his winning ways to take Gold. This was his second tournament victory on the trot, after taking Gold also in The IKKU Invitational recently.

The Larkhill Club arrived on the day with a large entry, and were determined to take home some spoils. They were not to be disappointed. Keith Nulty took Gold in Kata, with an inspirational performance. Ryan Coleman fought well to take bronze in The Boys Under 10 Category. Other Competitors who gained great experience on the day were Ewan McGillicuddy, Cian Coleman, Ciaran Mc Gannon, Katerina Susko, Will Keane, Daniel Khaletsky, Jack Cosgrove and Luke Hughes. Ashbourne's Jade Graham also performed well on the day. Coach Brian Carroll was pleased with both clubs performance and expects that the experience gained will prove beneficial in future events. They are already focusing on the upcoming Meath Karate Championships on 31st May in Navan.

Cork Kenpo stalwart John Connolly made the trip up with his Rebels hoping to plunder. Mabel Hayes and Jessica Cotter both made it to the semi-finals, where each lost out to tough Scottish Internationals. So, two well-earned bronze medals were taken back to Lee Side.

In the Boys Under 14 Category, Glasnevin's Sean Ryan and Kevin Staunton took to the Tatami where they were both pitted against very experienced fighters. However, under the close eye of IKKU Chief Instructor Paul Brennan, both fighters rose to the occasion and more than acquitted themselves on the day.

In the Boys Under 16 Category, Navan's Competitors hoped to continue their dominance. However, it wasn't to be. Jordan Pender and Ruaidhri Collins both exited early, losing to experienced International's. So too did Larkhill's Matthew Martin. Adam Durning fought his way to the semi-finals, but was defeated by 3 points to 2. He was extremely unlucky to give away an Ippon in the dying seconds, after leading all the way through. So he settled for bronze.

Navan's Dylan Byrne made his debut in the competitive Under 18 Category, where he took home the bronze. He lost out to the eventual winner, who has vast international experience. Other Navan entries who competed on the day were Lucy's siblings, John and Kate Mulhern. Navan's Coach Ronan Collins was pleased with the medal haul, and also with the experience gained by some first time competitors.

All in all, it was a successful event for the IKKU Juniors. Congratulations to our 3 Budo Nord Irish Open Champions for 2014 - Megan Carolan (Navan), Keith Nulty (Larkhill) and Eoin Clynch (Simonstown).