Wales Vs |reland 2015

Osu

The Inaugural Wales Vs Ireland tournament was held on Saturday June 6th 2015. We sent over a team of five Junior Clicker fighters, 1 Cadet and 11 Senior knockdown fighters. These 17 fighters were joined by a large group of supporters.

Also traveling were the Junior Coach Senpai Dave King, Senior Coaches Sensei Ken Fitzpatrick and Senpai Ciaran Stapleton, Referees Sensei Shane Lalor and Sensei Jon Maher. Last but by no means least was Shihan Kevin Callan our Chief Instructor and Country Representative.

Our day started in Dublin airport and after a short flight to Bristol we were picked up by a coach and began our Journey to Cardiff. We arrived with an hour to spare and got ourselves sorted. The tournament was due to start at 6.30 and right on time Shihan Terry Prescott began the Introductory speeches. After this the fighting started.

First up was the Junior clicker which set the tone for the rest of the night. After 5 hard fought fights Wales were victorious on a scoreline of 3.5 to 1.5. Well done to both sets of fighters for setting an example to all.

This was followed by the Knockdown fights. The atmosphere was electric with both sets of supporters trying to out do each other. These fights were match ups with fighters hand picked to fight each other. They were very well matched up as could be seen by the fact that almost all the fights went the distance. In the end Wales ran out winners by a scoreline of 7-5.

All that was left was the after party and that alone could be the topic of another article - but wont be :)

It was a fantastic event and special mention should go to Sensei Kevin Wells and Sensei Roger Styles for organising it so well. We look forward to 2016 and the rematch. The wheels are already in motion.

Shane