The Irish Open Fencing Championship takes place this October on 26-27.
For the 13th year running the Irish Open Fencing Championships includes a Men’s Epee FIE Satellite event.
This event allows fencer from all over the world to gain world ranking points towards Olympic qualifications.
Ireland’s very own Men’s Epee Senior team will be competing alongside other nations such as Argentina, Australia, Great Britain, USA, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Netherlands plus many more.
Fencing Ireland chairman, Des Gilhooly said,
“We are beginning to see the blossoming of young talent at a junior (under 20) and cadet (under 17) level where young Irish fencers are in turn starting to make their mark abroad.”
“Attracting these top athletes from abroad to compete here in Ireland is part of our strategy to raise our fencers’ level of competition. We are looking to encourage and develop our young athletes to one day compete at the highest international level and I believe it’s working”.
“This is part of a deliberate strategy from the sport’s national governing body to nurture young Irish talent and build a sustainable base for the sport in Ireland.”
“There are a myriad of benefits to fencing from fitness and sporting standpoint – balance, power, anaerobic and aerobic fitness but it also engages the grey-matter through tactical and mental awareness.
“All of that wrapped in the framework of respect and discipline coming from the great tradition in this Olympic sport”
“And most of all, it’s great fun”.