Judo Success for Coleraine Judo Club

A squad of eight players from the Coleraine Judo Club travelled to Londonderry last weekend to compete at the Northern Ireland Open Championships which is the Judo Federation' s premier event.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Apr 2016, 12:13 BST
Medallists David Kennedy and Caitlin McMahon with Club Coaches along with senior participants at the Northern Ireland OpenMedallists David Kennedy and Caitlin McMahon with Club Coaches along with senior participants at the Northern Ireland Open
Medallists David Kennedy and Caitlin McMahon with Club Coaches along with senior participants at the Northern Ireland Open

Competitors were from all parts of the UK and Ireland so for the Coleraine judoka it was an experience gathering exercise with low expectations of medals.

As the weekend progressed it was clear that the Coleraine players were exceeding expectations with David Kennedy and Caitlin McMahon winning the gold medal in their category while Abigail Coffee finished with a Bronze medal in her group.

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Veteran Philip Barnett finished with creditable fifth place in the Veteran’s over 100kg category defeating 4th Dan Scotsman Jim McKelvie.

Also in fifth place was Caitlin Henry and Mairi Clements in the minor girls under 36kg and under 32kg categories respectively.

Sam Clements was unfortunate not to be placed and David Small was knocked out of the very competitive under 81kg category by the very experience English player James Sparks from Tonbridge Judo Club.

The Coleraine players were supported by coaches Paul Price and Philip Duncan while Club Secretary Peter Cuckoo and Chairman Richard Briggs were officiating.

Meanwhile at a recent Junior Club grading over 40 members gained promotion to higher grades.

The examiner on the day was Richard Briggs and he was assisted by Paul Price for the grading.

Related topics:Coleraine