Irish Open 2013 – Report
Mr. Paul Sheridan, Mr. Dylan Leonard, Ms. Aine Jones, Master Martin Fleming
SDTKD sent a group of 31 players along to this years Irish Open / Korean Ambassadors Cup in the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght. The event was widely anticipated as the ITU had secured a visit from the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team to entertain the crowd at the interval. The event included divisions for PeeWees & Children who competed using manual electronic scoring system, and cadets, juniors, seniors & vets used DaeDo electronic body protector scoring system, with judges scoring just head shots, spinning kicks & punches.
Designated coaches on the day were Alex Murphy, Dylan Leonard & Nashat Basel who all took time off work commitments to be available to our team, the 2 former had also worked their late shift the night before, so thanks for your efforts gents.
Performances of note on the day include; 1st timer Micheala Byrne who won her 2 matches, coming from behind in the final with a 360 turning kick to clinch gold. The tiny 20kg pocket rocket is one to watch for the future, Sebastian Sweeney won his division which included a 12 point gap win on the way, Glen Leonard was pipped to silver in his division, but was awarded a player of the day award for his efforts, cited by onlooking Dutch referee for his performance, Kim Rena showed some great lead leg fighting to go onto win her division and also be awarded a best player award, vetran Dave Murray came back from 6-2 behind with a last gasp spinninghead shoNashat Basel collected a Gold & Silver in 2 divisions, being beaten in the latter against a strong tall player from Netherlands & Jamiliah Depakakibo put in a great kicking display to see her way to the final & clinch gold, reinforcing a great recent show of form in kyorugi. The day was capped off when Dylan Leonard accepted the 1st Place team trophy for SDTKD, which was symbolic of the efforts of all the students who trained relentlessly through the summer, the coaches who assisted and the judges & newly qualified judges who assisted the tournament on the day.
Debut Gold Medalist Micheala Byrne
Perhaps some lessons to be learned from the event. Typically at events we encounter players presenting themselves to the ring with incorrect equipment or lack of equipment. This happened on a number of occasions on Sunday. As this has been repeatedly happening, this time SDTKD decided than newcomers would not be given a group invitation to the event, as oftentimes they don’t have full kit. SDTKD goes to great lengths with emails, sms messages, online notifications, twice giving a team list for validation, and issuing the event pack for perusal, as well as our now customary parent briefing in advance of all events, as well as inviting ALL PARENTS TO ATTEND RECENT COURSE WITH DISCOUNTED FEE SUBSIDIZED BY CLUB TO €10. Please ensure all students & parents take these constructive information opportunities into consideration, as SDTKD employs a ‘belts & braces’ approach to all such things to give players their best information & ensure full responsibility outside the ring lies with parents.
Extracts From Club Briefing:
‘Equipment
All players must have own equipment. If you need to borrow gear, do so before event. Do not depend on coach to assist, as they wont be able to! Compulsory Gear – head guard, mits, forearm, groin, body protector, shin, gum. [instep not compulsory, but can be worn] Cadet + will use electronic scoring, and will be required to use electronic instep protectors, and use competition electronic body protectors. Anyone who has SDTKD clothing / tracksuits please wear to support club.
Parents:
Parents please note it is your responsibility to get player to the coach on time at least 2 matches before your child’s. It is likely SDTKD coaches will be engaged behind the barriers all day. Please bring your child to the inspection desk fully kitted before match. Parents please ensure you take responsibility for your childs behaviour & welfare throughout the day. SDTKD only take responsibility in the ring! Any experienced parents / training parents, we really welcome any assistance / comradery / harmony outside the competition area barriers. In recent competitions, there has been a lack of coordination outside barriers, which ultimately has effected coaches inside barriers trying to keep matches moving.’
Well done to everyone who contributed to this very positive occasion, thank you to the ITU for putting on the event & having such great visitors in attendance. There are a selection of photographs available below and some videos will be uploaded in due course.
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