Success at home and abroad for Drogheda's North East Judo Academy
Two golds and a bronze
Five young NEJA athletes represented their schools at the All-Ireland Schools Judo Championships in Dublin on Sunday May 25, returning with two gold medals and one bronze.
Nikolas Hoderdzishvili (St Joseph BNS, Carrickmacross) won all four fights by ippon in a dominant display to take gold in his category while Patrick Fayne (St Mary's Diocesan School, Drogheda) also won gold and stepped up to fight in a higher weight category, showing both courage and technical excellence.
Genevieve Ryan (Sacred Heart, Drogheda) secured bronze after winning two of her three matches and gaining valuable competition experience and while Bevan McLaughlin (St Joseph's NS, Mell) and Michael Dunne (Harestown NS, Monasterboice) both fought well, they were narrowly edged out on scoring criteria during the group stages.
Swedish Bronze at Budo Nord for Genevieve
Following her success at the All-Ireland Schools' Championships, Genevieve Ryan travelled to Sweden to compete in Budo Nord 2025, one of the largest judo events in Scandinavia.
This was her fourth international competition and resulted in her first international medal - a well-deserved bronze.
Genevieve won her first two matches by ippon, competed strongly in the semi-final, and delivered an excellent performance in the bronze medal match. Hers was one of only two medals won by the Irish delegation at the event.
Genevieve's next big event is the Welsh Open in Cardiff in October, where she will be moving up to the Cadet category. A few other members of the club may also join her on this trip and participate in their first international competition.
Head Coach Leo flies the flag at European Veterans
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NEJA Head Coach Leo Ryan represented Ireland at the European Veteran Judo Championships in Riga, Latvia last month.
Competing among Europe's most experienced judoka, Leo demonstrated the values of resilience and lifelong dedication that underpin judo.
While in Riga, Leo was also part of the Irish delegation that supported John Dennis of Lusk Judo as he won gold and became European Champion - a historic result for Irish veteran judo.
Leo will now prepare for the World Veteran Championships in November in Paris and aims to improve on his first international experience in Riga.
A new home, more members and Black Belt aspirants
North East Judo Academy recently relocated to a new training venue at St Mary's Parish Hall, Drogheda, allowing the club to expand its mat space and welcome more members. This move marks another step forward in the club's development.
Now in its sixth year, NEJA has grown to nearly 100 active members, a testament to its inclusive environment, quality coaching, and competitive success.
Two senior members are currently preparing to earn their black belts (DAN grade), which would make them the club's first homegrown black belts.
North East Mini Mon 2025
On September 27, NEJA will host the third edition of its own competition for minors and pre-cadets, the club's largest event and an important fundraiser.
It will take place in St Oliver's Community College, and for anyone who wants to see what judo looks like, spectators are welcome. There will be coffee and cake, and the club will organise a raffle with great prizes.
The club hopes to welcome around 120 participants this year from Leinster and Northern Ireland.
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