Richard Murphy, the Oranmore Judo Club’s Competition Coach, took Gold medal at the Irish Open in Dublin yesterday, winning all three of his fights with the maximum score – ippon – perfect throws.
The Oranmore club’s Eireann Murphy (aged 7) took Bronze in her category at the Open tournament and the club was also ably represented by Luke Murphy (aged 9), all from Clarinbridge, Co. Galway.
The club has been a centre for judo training for over 30 years and includes among its past and present members many of the country’s notable judo practitioners and representatives, including the current President of the Irish Judo Association.
Judo means ‘the gentle – or flexible – way’. It is a sport and a martial art that is not about weight, nor strength, but about balance, skill, and attitude. New members of any level or age are welcome. The dojo, where the action takes place, is open to Juniors at Oranmore Community Centre from 6.30pm every Wednesday and Friday during the season and from 7.30 for Seniors.