On October 26, 2024, the Irish Veterans Open celebrated a decade of judo excellence at the Corduff Sports Centre, Dublin. Originally started by Paul Cummins and Donal Tannam with a vision to bring competitive judo to Irish athletes over thirty, the event has blossomed over the years, setting records and fostering inclusivity in the judo community.
This year’s event saw 124 registered competitors, surpassing last year’s numbers and introducing several new categories. For the first time, an all-female KYU Grade division was held, and the Open welcomed its first deaf competitor, Shona Maguire. The event also marked an all-visual-impaired (VI) bout between Francesca Dignan and Collette Kerr, showcasing judo’s dedication to inclusion.
Memorable moments included Paddy Murphy, an Olympian at the 1972 Munich Games, competing at age 80, and awards for early pioneers and dedicated athletes like Scott Bailey and Rachel Huey. The tournament concluded with heartfelt acknowledgments to the referees, volunteers, and the IJA leadership for supporting such a thriving and inclusive community.
As the Irish Masters Open looks forward to the next decade, we are reminded of judo’s power to bring people together, break barriers, and foster resilience both on and off the mat.
More on information can be found HERE.
