Ultimate Open 2019
Ultimate Success for SDTKD
Tallaght based South Dublin Taekwondo Club visited Derby, England for the Ultimate Taekwondo Championships. Club Coaches issued invites to a development team, many who were called up for their first international event. The development team included many first time travellers for the club alongside some Irish Squad Players who were sent to lead their team mates by example. The day trip included a 4am start before travelling to the airport for many before arriving for weigh in and taking to the mats throughout the day. SDTKD were delighted to come away with team recognition of 2nd placed team overall at the UK event with a strong overall team performance. Some performances of note include triple medal winning family of Anna, Steve & Lisabeth Mahesh who all had their first international outing, the latter who secured a strong string of gold medal performances recently with her excellent high kicking ability. James McGovern & Shae Yambao had their first experience in their advanced division both taking away bronze medals. Some of the more experienced athletes who were sent to lead the team by example include Eoghan Gorman who won a senior gold, after a blistering performance in his semi-final, and eventually beating club mate Cyrus Shirvani in the final of -74kg, with Shirvani unfortunately having to withdraw due to injury, 2018 European Medalist Emma Cahill started off her year with winning ways securing gold in her cadet division, whilst 2 of her training partners Shauna Farrell & Jacqueline Rosales secured Gold & Silver respectively in their children division. Ryan Doyle was noted as one of the fighters of the day by Coach Niamh Buffini who oversaw Ryan’s silver medal achievement in his junior -48kg division. Doyle and Buffini will join forces again next weekend when they travel to the Fujairah Open, UAE with team mate Jack Woolley who also attended the Ultimate Open as Team Coach. The trio hope to kick start the 2019 international Ranking Event calendar in the Emirate of Fujairah where they host one of the most prestigious Taekwondo events in the World. SDTKD are currently recruiting new members of all ages & abilities and any enquiries to join their diverse team can be sent to info@sd-tkd.com
Photo:
Back L to R: Emma Cahill, Sabrina Burke, Abby Gorman, Ryan Doyle, Eoghan Gorman, Sean Byrne, Lisabeth Mahesh, Ben Nugent, Shauna Farrell.
Front L to R: Anna Mahesh, James Mcgovern, Jacqueline Rosales, Eoin Rosales, Steve Mahesh, Bobby Nugent, Shae Yambao