THREE talented female competitors from the Cathal Fegan Schools of Taekwon-Do, based in Newry and Silverbridge, have been selected to represent Team Ireland at the upcoming ITF World Championships in Barcelona, taking place from July 22-27.
After successfully competing in both national championships and rigorous trials, Aoife Loye, Cara Mackin and Amy Bantleman earned their place on the Irish squad, a remarkable achievement that places them among the top competitors in the world.
Aoife Loye, a former World Champion and the current European Champion, will compete in the Female Welterweight division. She is set to face a Taiwanese opponent in the opening round.
Cara Mackin, a National Champion, will enter the Female Lightweight division and is matched against USA in her first round.
Amy Bantleman, a gold medallist at last year’s European Championships, will represent Ireland in the Junior Welterweight division, facing Argentina in her opening round.
With over 800 athletes from more than 40 nations competing, the ITF World Championships, held every three years, is a pinnacle of international Taekwon-Do competitions. For these three young women, representing their club and country on such a prestigious stage is a tremendous honour and accomplishment.
Coach Cathal Fegan pointed out: “As Taekwon-Do remains an amateur sport, with no financial support from Sport NI, these athletes have relied heavily on personal funding and community support to make their dreams a reality.
“We would like to express sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to recent fundraising efforts, as well as to the generous sponsors who helped make this journey possible.
“Aoife Loye is sponsored by McEvoy’s, Newry, Cara Mackin by Swifty’s, Newtownhamilton and Amy Bantleman by ICS Services and Think Group.
“Their dedication, discipline, and hard work serve as an inspiration to young martial artists across the region. We wish them the very best as they take on the world in Barcelona.”
Cara Mackin
Amy Bantleman
