The cream of judo exponents will be in Galway this weekend when the city hosts the All Ireland Judo Championships.
It is the first time in 15 years the city has hosted the event, according to Judo Ireland’s current chairman and Galwayman, Jimmy Griffin.
More than 100 competitors will be in action at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club in what is the biggest judo event of the year in Ireland.
In addition to the many different categories for boys and girls, and senior men and women, the organisers are also running a Mini Mons competition for younger sters up to 12 years of age or yellow belt.
Several local competitors are expected to feature prominently, including Stephan Bradshaw from NUIG who is a strong candidate in the senior men’s category, while Michael Greaney (Galway Judo Club ), John Gillane (Renmore Judo Club ), Hubert and Aaron Creaven (Annaghdown Judo Club ) are expected to be among the top competitors in the junior boys’ section. Méadhbh Weldon (Renmore Judo Club ) and Nell Ní Conláin (Spiddal Judo Club ) are tipped in the girls’ categories after their success in the recent Connacht championships.
The championships commences at 11am on Sunday and are and open to the public.
