Cork ITA athletes returned from the ITF World Cup in Benidorm with a number of medals following six days of competition at the Palau d’Esports l’Illa de Benidorm from 28th September to 3th October, and on Saturday last they received a welcome home at their training base in Woodview Drive Community Centre, Mallow.
Competitors, coaches and supporters flew out on Sunday, 27th September, as part of a 242-strong Irish Taekwon-Do Association team. The warm, fine weather was welcome throughout the week, and teammates supported one another during the competition.
There was plenty to celebrate in the individual events. Nick Roche claimed gold in individual sparring, bronze in individual patterns and silver in team sparring, while Oisín Roche secured silver in individual sparring. Joey Shaw, Dean Carthy and Alison O’Shea each won bronze in individual sparring, and Irina Todorovi earned bronze in female junior patterns.
The team events brought further success. Toby McNamara and Olan Cooney took bronze in team patterns. Jason Shaw won silver in veteran team sparring and bronze in team patterns, while Breandán Dennehy collected silver in team sparring and bronze in team patterns.
Pragasen Morrissey also won bronze in team patterns, bronze in individual sparring and silver in team sparring. Athletes represented their club well across the various categories.
Team spirit was evident throughout the championship, with competitors encouraging one another and coaches, families and travelling supporters offering their support from the sidelines. This contributed to an enjoyable week for the Cork group.
Thanks are due to Instructor Master Mark Buckley and all instructors for preparing the students for the competition. The athletes also thanked the Parents’ Committee for its fundraising and support during the year, as well as the families, friends and supporters who helped with the trip.
The Cork ITA competitors represented their club and country well during the week.