UCC Judo Soars Again in 2016
This weekend UCC Judo competed in the 2016 Intervarsites Competition held in the Foyle Arena in Derry. There were 10 Universities taking part, with over 140 competitors in total. UCC Judo travelled the furthest and brought up 15 competitors. We came away with 28 medals in total and 3 prestigious awards.
UCC Ladies entered two female teams, the only university to enter two teams and I'm delighted to say that we took home the gold and the bronze in the women's events. UCC Ladies A Team, captained by Katie O'Donovan, took home the Gold with a decisive 2-1 victory over the host team University Ulster. Our Ladies B Team, captained by Rosemine Achbang, were also successful in securing the bronze. We were then awarded the trophy for Best Ladies Team of 2016, UCC Ladies haven't won this since 2003.
UCC Men entered two male teams this year and were also the only university to enter two male teams. UCC Mens A team, captained by Tim Kelly, secured the gold in a stunning 4-1 defeat of last years winners NUIG. UCC Mens B team, captained by Richard Collins, came up against a well seasoned University Ulster home team in their first fight and were knocked out. We were then awarded the trophy for Best Mens Team of 2016, UCC mens haven't won this since 2008.
This is the first time that UCC have secured the double gold in both the ladies teams and the mens team finals.
As well as this success our 15 competitors also came away with an impressive 28 medals from the competition, the most of any other university. We came home with 13 Gold medals, 4 Silver Medals and 11 Bronze Medals, with outstanding performances from all of our Judoka.
Andre Bilro Pereira de Araujo was also awarded the "Best Judoka; Charlie Hegarty Shield". This is an award decided by the referees on the day and is given to the one person who has outstanding Judo and totally embodies the spirit of Judo.
The biggest thanks has to go to our coach David Holmes, as without him none of this would have been possible. Many thanks to Lisa Bradley the tournament director and all in University Ulster for an extremely professional and well run event.
It has been my honour and privilege to captain such an amazing, supportive, talented group of people this year, and I can only imagine what the future holds for UCC Judo.
Roll of Honor:
Katie O'Donovan; Gold Team Event, Bronze 63kg
Cara Nies; Gold Team Event, Bronze Upper Kyu
Aobh O'Shea; Gold Team Event, Gold 57kg
Rosemine Achbang; Bronze Team Event, Bronze 57kg
Erin Brightoo; Bronze Team Event, Silver Lower Kyu, Bronze 70kg
Ciara Gildea; Bronze Team Event, Bronze 52kg
Tim Kelly; Gold Team Event, Bronze Open Weight
Andre Bilro; Gold Team Event, Gold 90kg
Luke Hickey; Gold Team Event, Gold Middle Kyu, Silver 73kg
Brian Dowling; Gold Team Event, Silver 80kg
Matty Adams; Gold Team Event, Bronze Middle Kyu
Shane O'Connel; Bronze Under 90kg Novice
Dylan Barrett; Bronze Over 90kg Novice
Alex Kingston; Gold Over 90kg Novice, Silver Over 100kg