BMA Clondalkin tops in Munster Open

CLONDALKIN’S BMA fighting outfit recorded a 100% podium finish with all its competitors and with it registering one of the biggest medal hauls from all the participating clubs at the Munster Kickboxing Open held in Mayfield Sports Complex, Co Cork on Sunday with nine gold, seven silver and two bronze podium finishes.

The annual event attracts clubs from all over Ireland because of its ‘fair and friendly’ open tournament.

The hosting organisers, BMA Cork, are one of the best known clubs in Cork with its coaches renowned for coaching elite athletes not only in kickboxing but other sports specifically in rehabilitation.

BMA Clondalkin had a strong 15-person squad including coaches and officials with all fighters brilliantly recording a podium finish.

Louise Shortt (13) was the star of the team finishing with three first place finishes while Fionn Kelly (15) stepped up from competing in the novice categories and now already dominating the intermediate sections taking gold in the light continuous and point fighting disciplines.

Brother and sister duo Mateusz (9) and Oliwia Tzczkowski (12) were very impressive as this is their first year competing for the club and only their third outing registering a gold for Mateusz and third place finish for Oliwia.

Jamie Hawkins (7) reached finals of the boys novice u7 PF category but was unlucky not to clinch the win.

Older brother, 17 year old Sean was also in brilliant form taking a hard fought silver in the boys u18 LC category.

Oisin Clancy (8) is improving since his last outing in February by also reaching the finals of the u8 novice PF division and with it a well-deserved runner up medal.

The formidable duo of 9-year-old Robert and 10- year-old Arthur Dryja are for sure making a name for themselves on the competitive scene by clinching medals in their last three outings.

This time round, the younger brother Robert took gold in the u9 PF category while older sibling Arthur placed in 3rd place in the u11 PF section.

Michael Siry (13) finished the long day with gold in the boys advanced u13 PF and silver in the advanced LC.

Kym Fitzgerald, who will only turn 17 next month is showing great development after she joined the Clondalkin’s elite training team under head coach Ilija Salerno and is already showing her improved skills by reaching the finals of the KL and PF categories and with both, two runner-up medals.

“Kym has only begun to compete seriously this year, and has already shown great progress in her development” says coach Ilija Salerno.

Cayden Derwin Fitzgerald is determined to make a serious dent in the competitive scene this year as narrowly missing out on the national team spot last year, he has since knuckled down and strived to show he is one of the top competitors in Ireland.

After a really impressive performance two weeks ago at the Yokoso Kickboxing European Cup in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Cayden’s confidence was still boosted and with it taking the win in the KL u15 division as well as a runner up finish in the LC u15 category.

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