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Some of the Things We've Been Up To Recently...

KINSALE ANNUAL TOURNAMENT APRIL, 2008

This past Sunday the 13th of April, the Banner Martial Arts & Fitness team were invited to compete at the annual Kinsale Open Martial Arts Tournament. This is the 4th year Clare has successfully competed at this well-attended event, and 2008 proved to be our best year yet! Our Clare students returned home with 9 1st place trophies, 2 2nd place trophies, and 4 3rd place trophies. A great result! The event was attended by several hundred martial artists from around Ireland.

The Winners:

WHITE DRAGON COMPETITION, APRIL 2008

A small group of students from Banner Martial Arts & Fitness attended an Open Martial Arts tournament in Cashel, Co. Tipperary recently.  Of 7 competitors, 5 returned to Clare with trophies to commemorate their achievements!  We are pleased to announce the following results:

JOE DUDLEY (age 11): 1st Place Sparring

AILEEN O'SHAUNESSY (age 12): 1st Place Sparring

BRENDAN CUSSEN (age 6): 3rd Place Patterns

KILLIAN O'DALY (age 9): 1st Place Patterns

SHAUNA ENRIGHT (age 9): 2nd Place Sparring

NUI GALWAY COMPETITION, MARCH 2008

This Saturday a team of Banner Martial Arts students travelled to NUIG University in Galway to compete in an open martial arts tournament.
Our Ennis members brought back two trophies:
Darren Donovan: 2nd Place Men’s Continuous Sparring
Colm Ryan: 3rd Place Men’s Points Sparring
The team had a great day at the event, and displayed great sportsmanship. The tournament hosted competitors in both Taekwon-do and Kickboxing from Schools and Universities throughout Ireland.

 

ANNUAL OPEN MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT 2008

Martial Artists from 5 counties attended this year's Annual Open Martial Arts Tournament.  Competitors from several disciplines were on hand: Taekwon-do, Karate, and Kickboxing.

Participants ranged in age from 4 - 50!  Thanks to all attendees for displaying great Sportsmanship, and thanks to all BMAF members who were welcoming and courteous to our visiting martial artists.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY

CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS PAGE

Next Year's Event: Sunday, 8th of February, 2009!!!

RUMBLE AT THE ROCK TOURNAMENT, CASHEL 2007

A small group of competitors from Banner Martial Arts attended this tournament in Cashel recently, with good results.

Everyone competed well, and with outstanding sportsmanship.

Congratulations to:

JOE DUDLEY: 1st Place Sparring

AILEEN O'SHAUNESSY: 1st Place Sparring

BRENDAN CUSSEN: 3rd Place Patterns

KILLIAN O'DALY: 1st Place Patterns

SHAUNA ENRIGHT: 2nd Place Sparring

BLACK BELT GRADING 2007

Congratulations to B.M.A.F.'s first five 1st Degree Black Belts!

Emma Broderick, Roisin O'Neil, Jeffrey Mulcaire, David Johnston, & Pragasen Morrissey

all thoroughly earned their Black Belts after an intense two-day testing ceremony.

FIGHTING FOR THE CHILDREN OF NEPAL

On Sunday, 10th of June, Banner Martial Arts hosted a tournament to raise funds for Melanie Hennessy's journey to Nepal this July.  Melanie Hennessy (age 17) is a long-time student at Banner Martial Arts & Fitness, and currently a red-tag in Taekwon-do.  Many of our young members know Melanie as a Dojang assistant, and as a helper at Summer Camp.  Mr. & Mrs. Donovan know Melanie to be and outstanding team player, a responsible leader, and a valuable member of our school.  We were proud to hear that Melanie has been selected to be a volunteer at an orphanage in Nepal this summer.  Melanie has always expressed an interest in travelling abroad and, more specifically, in helping those less fortunate than ourselves.  This July Melanie will spend five weeks in Nepal.  First, she will stay in a hostel where she will learn the local language, Nepalese, and study the local customs.  Then she will live in an orphanage with the children, looking after the children, helping them with school, etc.  It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we couldn't think of a better young lady for the job!

We are pleased to announce that this tournament raised  €1544.00!!!

These funds will go towards Melanie's travel costs, and any additional funds will be donated directly to the orphanage.

Connor & Sarah Donovan would like to thank everyone who made a donation, and especially to everyone who participated in the competition.  It couldn't happen at all without people willing to get stuck in and do it!

Thanks also to Mrs. Broderick & Mr. Johnston who dedicated their time for the day to help with judging & scorekeeping.

And a final note of thanks to Master Des Galligan & Mr. Pat Forde from Limerick who not only brought some of their students up to participate, but also dedicated their time for the day as referees.

Everyone's efforts have made a huge difference to the life of one Ennis girl, and a significant difference to the lives of 15 young orphans in Nepal.

Thanks to all of you!

RESULTS:

More information about the project Melanie will be supporting can be found at: www.gppmnepal.org.np

Essay Contest

Members were asked to write a 2-page essay on the tenet of Taekwon-do which means the most to them, personally.  Mr. & Mrs. Donovan want to thank everyone who submitted an essay. 

The writings were thoughtful, introspective, and some of them even entertaining!  But alas, only one can be the WINNER!:

Congratulations, Kayleigh Mulqueen !!!

APRIL 2007:

ANNUAL KINSALE TAEKWON-DO TOURNAMENT

Five young students from Banner Martial Arts & Fitness (Ennis) travelled to Kinsale, Co. Cork this weekend to compete in an ITF Taekwon-do tournament of over 200 competitors from around the country, and Co. Clare came home with 6 trophies!  The school is particularly proud of the achievements of young Eímhín O’Daly, age 5, who brought home to the Banner two trophies: 2^nd place in his traditional ITF patterns, and 1^st place in semi-contact sparring.  Eímhín was victorious in all three of his challenging fights, with the support of his 8-year-old brother Killian, who also won 2^nd place in his traditional patterns.

The event served as a good rehearsal for these young Clare martial artists, as they prepare for an upcoming home tournament in Ennis the 10^th June.  Banner Martial Arts & Fitness will be hosting a martial arts tournament dedicated to raising funds for Melanie Hennessy; a long-time Ennis student of Taekwon-do, who will be travelling to Nepal this summer and volunteering in a children’s orphanage for five weeks.  Any funds raised beyond Melanie’s travel & board expenses will be donated to the orphanage, which dedicates itself to supporting and educating impoverished local children in Nepal.  This event is open to the public, all admission fees going to charity.

Results:

Ryan Kerswill, age 14: 1^st Place Sparring, 2^nd Place Patterns

Dylan Chinon, age 11: 2^nd Place Patterns

Killian O’Daly, age 8: 2^nd Place Patterns

Eimhin O’Daly, age 5: 2^nd Place Patterns, 1^st Place Sparring

MARCH 2007:

ENNIS ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Thanks to all members who participated in this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Thanks to you, over 150 members marched through Ennis this year!

It was chilly and rainy, but our high spirits persevered and we had a great day!

JANUARY 2007:

BEST OF THE BEST, DUBLIN

Congratulations to Darren Donovan for his Second Place victory in his sparring division!

DECEMBER 2006:

B.M.AF. ANNUAL OPEN MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT, ENNIS

OCTOBER 2006:

TAEKWON-DO ALLIANCE OPEN,  CORK

A team of competitors from Banner Martial Arts & Fitness travelled to Cork this weekend to enter an Open Martial Arts tournament in Little Island, hosted by the Taekwon-do Alliance.  Several hundred competitors were participating in the tournament, including three international teams.  All members of the team showed great team spirit and good sportsmanship.  We are pleased to announce the following achievements by our school:

Darren Donovan: Silver Medal for Sparring

Eddie Fitzgibbon Sr.: Silver Medal for Patterns/Forms

Sean King: Gold Medal for Sparring

Joanne Potter Sr.: Silver Medal for Patterns/Forms and Silver Medal for Sparring

Kim Hennessy: Bronze Medal for Patterns

Melanie Hennessy: Bronze Medal for Sparring

Edwin Fitzgibbon Jr.: Bronze Medal for Sparring

Ryan Kerswill: Gold Medal for Patterns/Forms and Silver Medal for Sparring

Chris Vincent: Gold Medal for Sparring

Patrick McMahon: Silver Medal for Sparring

APRIL 2006:

BEST OF THE BEST, DUBLIN

15 B.M.A.F. members travvelled to Dublin this month to compete in Pat White's "Best of the Best" Open Martial Arts Tournament.

Although a painfully long day, we did quite well, especially in patterns:

Melanie Hennessy: 3rd place Patterns

Darragh Ryan: 1st place Patterns, 3rd place sparring

Adam O'Connor: 1st place Patterns

Cian Cagney: 2nd Place Patterns

Killian O'Daly: 3rd place Patterns, 3rd place sparring

Paul Connolly: 2nd Place Patterns

Tara McNamara: 1st place Continuous Sparring

David Johnston: 2nd place Continuous Sparring

Most importantly, our team members displayed GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, COURTESY, RESPECT, & DISCIPLINE.

Everyone did their very best and honoured their school and their martial art.

MARCH 2006:

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE & "PADDY PARTY"

Over 100 B.M.A.F. students of all ages participated in this year's Ennis St. Patrick's Day Parade!!

Despite the cold weather, everyone had a super attitude and did a smashing job!

Thanks to everyone who marched, and especially to all the parents who helped out by minding the marchers, rounding up the kids after the parade, and supervising at the Paddy Party.

It takes teamwork, but our team sure pulled off a great day.  Thanks to everyone!

Click on the photo to see the photo gallery of the day's events.

KINSALE JUNIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

This past weekend, on the 12^th of March, a team of young Taekwon-do Competitors from Banner Martial Arts & Fitness, Ennis, traveled to Kinsale, Co. Cork to compete in an Open Martial Arts Tournament.  The Ennis Team comprised of 12 young people, ages 6-19, both boys and girls.  It was the first tournament for all of them, and they showed outstanding skill and sportsmanship as they competed against over 250 other young people from Cork and Dublin.

Paul Connolly, age 19, Kilrush, won first place in his Patterns/Forms division, AND first place in his Sparring/Fighting division.

Kieran Green, age 11, Ennis, won third place in his Sparring/Fighting division.

Nathan Bennis-Whelan, age 8, Limerick, won second place in his Sparring/Fighting division.

Melanie Hennessy, age 16, Ennis, won first place in her Patterns/Forms division, AND first place in her Sparring/Fighting division.

Emma Broderick, age 9, Ennis won first place in her Sparring/Fighting division.

Amy Broderick, age 8, Ennis, won second place in her Patterns/Forms division.

The highlight of the day was the final event of Musical Forms and Weapons Forms.  The atmosphere was electric as entrants battled off for the most creative, energetic, and challenging forms.  The crowd was well pleased with Clare Team: Amy Broderick, Emma Broderick, and Adam O’Connor who showcased their self-choreographed routine and clinched the prized FIRST PLACE position.

MARCH 2006:

IRISH OPEN INTERNATIONAL KICKBOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The largest Kickboxing tournament in Europe.  Over 1100 International competitors from 21 countries in attendance.

Mr. Pragasen Morrissey won third place in his weight division!

FEBRUARY 2006:

PATTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Despite several teams pulling out at the last minute, the Pattern Championships were still a success, with much talent on show!

We are very proud of everyone who participated, as we know how much courage it takes to compete.

Congratulations to the amazing & entertaining MUSICAL PATTERN TEAM: Sally Carrig, Adam O'Connor, Emma Broderick, & Amy Broderick

Congratulations to the impressive SYNCHRONISED PATTERN TEAM: David Johnston, Noel Cleary, & Pragasen Morrissey

3rd Place Junior Individual Patterns: Emma Costelloe

2nd Place Junior Individual Patterns: Emma Broderick

1st Place Junior Individual Patterns: Amy Broderick

3rd Place Adult Individual Patterns: Noel Cleary

2nd Place Adult Individual Patterns: Pragasen Morrisey

1st Place Adult Individual Patterns: David Johnston

JANUARY 2006:

THE BEST OF THE BEST

The B.M.A.F. Squad Team travelled up to Dublin on the 28th of January to compete in Pat White’s Best of the Best open martial arts championships.  The tournament was well attended  by a variety of martial arts organisations from throughout the North and South of Ireland.  Competitions was held in patterns (forms), point sparring, and continuous sparring.

Hazel McMahon won a double victory: 1st place in ladies Continuous Sparring, 2nd place in ladies Point Sparring.

Pragasen Morrissey won 3rd place in his Pattern Division and 3rd in his weight division, Men’s Continuous Sparring .

Derek Fegan won 1st place in his division of Men’s continuous sparring. 

David Johnston 2nd place in his division of men’s continuous sparring.

Darren Donovan, 1st place in his division of men’s continuous sparring.

Kieran Healy won 3rd place in his division of men’s continuous sparring.

Well done, TEAM!!!

And Older News...

OCTOBER 2005 NEWS: 

CHILDREN'S HALLOWEEN PARTY

100 Under-Eights attended B.M.A.F.'s Children's Halloween party.

Thanks to all who came, we had a great time.  Click on the pumpkin to see our spooky photo gallery!

"The Rumble" Open Tournament, Leixlip

Congratulations to all who participated!  Special congratulations go to:

Pragasen Morrissey: 1st place, Max Bodrov: 2nd place, Derek Fegan: 1st place, Hazel McMahon: 2nd place, David Johnston: 2nd place

ADVANCED GRADING, 23RD OF OCTOBER

Congratulations to all who participated, all were successful on this occasion, including a DOUBLE PROMOTION by PRAGASEN MORRISSEY.

JUNE 2005 NEWS: 

"Spring Challenge" Tournament, B.M.A.F.

Congratulations to the following winners of our recent in-house tournament:

Pattern Competition: 1st Place: Emily Nolan 2nd Place: Killian O'Daly 3rd Place: Nathan D'Arcy	Under 8 Sparring: 1st Place: Tom Sharkey 2nd Place: Jason Smith 3rd Place: Killian O'Daly	Junior Sparring: 1st Place: Tommy Keenan 2nd Place: Linda Keane 3rd Place: Emily Nolan

MAY 2005 NEWS: 

Redking Taekwon-do Tournament, Tipperary

Congratulations to the team who were very successful at this Tournament!

Jack English won 1st place in Sparring; Christian Malone won 3rd place in Sparring

Enrico Del Mastro won 2nd place in Patterns; Tara McNamara won 2nd place in Sparring

Neil Cullinan won 1st place in Sparring; James Farrar won 2nd place in Sparring

Fleadh Nua Parade, Ennis, 2005

Thanks to all members who supported our team by participating in the Fleadh Nua Parade!

MARCH 2005 NEWS: 

St. Patrick's Day Parade, Ennis

NOVEMBER 2004 NEWS: 

"FIRST KICKS" TOURNAMENT

This special event was dedicated especially to our beginner students who have never had the chance to compete in the martial arts before. 

Taekwondo-ers from ages 4-15 were present from both our Ennis and our Limerick clubs.  Despite a few “first time” butterflies, everyone performed incredibly well.  Most importantly, the competitors displayed excellent sportsmanship and courtesy to one another, the key to being a true martial artist!  The Donovan’s were especially pleased with those who carried on to participate in the pattern section of the tournament,

as this is perhaps the most important skill in Taekwon-do. 

OCTOBER 2004 NEWS: 

2004 A.I.M.A.A. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

B.M.A.F. brings back GOLD!  And SILVER!  And BRONZE! 

Despite suffering from an unexpected second day of competition, the B.M.A.F. team transformed misery into motivation and shone like stars.  There were admirable performances by each and every member who attended, and most importantly, outstanding teamwork by competitors AND parents alike.

Special congratulations to:

OCTOBER 2004 NEWS: 

ART CONTEST

CONGRATULATIONS  to all of our members aged 4-15 who entered our recent Art Contest.  The quality and creativity of the artwork was absolutely excellent!  The works of art were divided into three age categories and there were three winners chosen from each category:

SEPTEMBER 2004 NEWS: 

John Kavanagh Seminar

John Kavanagh's first seminar in County Clare!  Mr. Kavanagh presented an introductory seminar on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, covering beginner grappling, take-down, and ground-work techniques.  Attendees ranged in levels of experience.  Members from BMAF Taekwon-do clubs, AIMAA Taekwon-do clubs in Limerick, Ennis Jiu-Jitsu club, and the "Point Blank Submission" club in Galway were present for the four-hour session.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good hard training session. 

JULY 2004 NEWS: 

B.M.A.F. Summer Challenge Tournament

Competitors from Limerick and Clare meet face to face for some Summer Entertainment.

MARCH 2004 NEWS:

Visit to N.U.I. Galway

A small group of B.M.A.F. adults visited N.U.I. Galway on the 14th of March for their International Open.  This was our fist time attending an event hosted by N.U.I., and all were pleased by the kindness and openness of our hosts.  The atmosphere between the teams and competitors on the day was very friendly and relaxed and a good time was had by all.  It was the perfect venue for introducing our yellow-tags to ring competition.  Achievements on the day were:

Enrico Del Mastro: First Place Patterns

Jennifer Moriarty: Third Place Sparring

Johnny Devaney & Rauiri Dennehy: Third Place Team Sparring

DECEMBER 2003 NEWS:

Banner Martial Arts & Fitness raises €2,223.90 for Enable Ireland!
A fantastic day had by all.  B.M.A.F. wishes to thank all of its members who worked so hard at selling raffle lines and donating prizes for the raffle and auction.  The majority of funds raised were made through the raffles.

And a firm pat-on-the-back for the many new members who had the courage and good attitude to jump into the ring for the very first time in the name of charity.  Well done!  The attitude on the day was exceptional.

Considering the effort and good will put in by everyone on the day, it's hard to even use the term "winners", but for those who are interested, the people who left with trophies on the day were:

NOVEMBER 2003 NEWS:

I.U.T.F. NATIONALS, NEPTUNE STADIUM, CORK

Despite only a small contingent of B.M.A.F. competitors travelling down to this event, we still managed some respectable victories.  Of particular note was the great achievement of capturing 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd place in Men's White to Green patterns.  Seen below with their instructors are  Michael Cox (3rd), Johnny Devaney (1st), and Peter Madden (2nd).

On the sparring side of things, Orla Hennessy pulled through for her Clare team once again, winning 3rd place in the 8 & under Green to Black category.  Orla won her first two fights, only to succumb to the talents of an Italian competitor who went on to win first place.  Orla is now 8 years-old, she's been training with Connor Donovan since she was only 6.

SEPTEMBER 2003 NEWS:

"SUMMER CHALLENGE"

Friendly Inter-Club Challenge

Forty B.M.A.F. members attended our recent Inter-Club Challenge event at the Auburn Lodge Hotel.  Students competed amongst each other in both patterns and sparring categories.  The competition was very tough, and fighters had to sustain several rounds of sparring before making it to the finals.  But great skill, stamina, and sportsmanship were on display.

Winners of the Patterns Competition:

1st Place: Jeffrey Mulcaire

2nd Place: Emma Daly

3rd Place: Johnny Devaney

As always, the most important aspects of the day were SPORTSMANSHIP and TEAMWORK, qualities which were admirably displayed by all winners.
 

JULY 2003 NEWS:

CLARE GRADING 26-07-03

Congratulations to 41 members who all were promoted successfully at the latest Clare grading at the Auburn Lodge Hotel in Ennis on 26-07-03.  The effort on behalf of students building up to the grading was admirable and the standard on the day was excellent.  WELL DONE!

JUNE 2003 NEWS:

CONNACHT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2003

16 Banner Martial Arts competitors travelled to Galway on 15-06-03 to compete in the Connacht Open Martial Arts Championships.  Of 16 competitors, 10 trophies were achieved, an outstanding ratio.  Of special achievement on the day was the adult ladies white/belt sparring category, where 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place were all clinched by BMAF members.

Also well done to Orla Hennesy (age 7) who decided to compete in the age 10 and under green/black category.  A very challenging category, her courage brought her third place.

Sinead O'Connell (2nd place sparring), Enrico del Mastro (3rd place sparring, 2nd place patterns), Ciara Hogan (1st place sparring), Michael Curtin (2nd place sparring), Jason Curtin (1st place sparring), Conor Hennessy (2nd place sparring), Linda Keane (1st place sparring), Orla Hennesy (3rd place sparring), Anna Knafl (not shown) (3rd place sparring).

APRIL 2003 NEWS:

SPRING CHALLENGE 2003

Banner Martial Arts & Fitness members gathered at the Auburn Lodge on Saturday 17-05-03 for a friendly inter-club challenge.  This event was specifically for beginners, who have not experienced any tournament sparring before.  There were 40 competitors in all, and 8 teams, with members ranging from age 4 to age 40, from all four corners of County Clare!

Winning Teams in the Sparring Competition Were:

1st Place: Adam O'Connor, Sally Carrig, Linda Keane, Muzna Hussain, Johnny Devaney

2nd Place: Oisin MacCroistail, Dean Fitzgerald, Cael Rowley, Conor Hennessy, Peter Madden

3rd Place: Killian O'Daly, Emily Moses, Adam Bluett, Jason Curtin, Alexey Pershin

4th Place: Liam Rowley, James Daly, Sophie Cummins, Ceile Varley, Pat Tobin

Winners of the Individual Patterns Were:

1st Place: Peter Madden

2nd Place: Rytis Kasinskas

3rd Place: Amy Bluett

A special "Thank You" goes to the Team Coaches who were a great help on the day and exhibited the most important qualities of teamwork and consideration for fellow students.  That is what it is all about!

A fun and safe day was had by all.  Congratulations to everyone who came out and gave it a try.  The first time is daunting, so everyone deserves a congratulations for having the courage to go into the ring.  Well done!

February 2003 News:

Munster Championships 2003

Banner Martial Arts & Fitness returns to Tralee for the Annual Munster Championships and collected an incredible tally of 11 trophies among the 22 Clare competitors who attended.  A very impressive ratio, considering the level of competition on hand from martial artists all over Ireland.

Since this time last year B.M.A.F. Clare students have already accomplished an impressive list of competitive victories.  But most importantly have shown a great dedication and interest in a sport which has not yet received much acknowledgement in the area.  Clare is surely set to make an impact on the world of martial arts.

December 2002 News:

Charity Success!
Everyone had a great day at the First Annual "Fight for the Children" charity tournament at Magowna House Hotel. I.U.T.F. Clare raised 400 euros for the Hope Foundation on ticket sales and raffles. Turn-out was low, but we don't think this was too bad considering it was our first try ever.
The sportsmanship was exemplary and our students put on a great show of clean fighting.
I.U.T.F. Clare wishes to thank everyone who attended and everyone who donated raffle prizes. Thanks to the Magowna House for generous donation of their function room and a gift voucher for the raffle. Thanks to the Red Cross for their volunteer who was on-hand throughout the event. Thanks to Mr. Moloney of Listowel who came all the way up to lend a hand as a referee. And thanks to Mr. Coughlin, Mr. Griffin, and their students who joined us from the Ennis AIMA club for the day.
Next year we intend to do at least TWICE as well as this year, so mark your calendars!

November 2002 News:

World Kickboxing Championships

Connor Donovan has won THIRD PLACE at the WKA (World Kickboxing Association) World Cup 2002 in Treir Germany. This international tournament attracted competitors from over 30 different countries. After an amazing four fights, Connor unfortunately sustained a leg injury during the semi-finals, which rendered him unable to continue in the finals. Thus, he was defaulted into third place, a remarkable achievement nonetheless.

June 2002 News:

Death of General Choi Hong Hi
It is with great pain and sorrow that we announce that Gen. Choi Hong Hi passed away at 20.35 hours on 15th. June 2002. His burial took place in Pyongyang, Korea on the 17th of June 2002. It is anticipated that a memorial service will take place in Pyongyang 100 days after his passing away.