Mallow-based athletes Thomas Fogarty, Cian Barrett, Evie Finucane, and Irina Todorović are set to represent Team Ireland at the ITF World Championships 2025, taking place in Poreč, Croatia, from October 7–11.
The squad trains under Master Mark Buckley, Senior Instructor at Cork ITA Taekwon-Do and national team coach, assisting Mr. Richie Forde of East Cork Taekwon-Do in preparing the athletes for the global stage.
The championship promises intense action across patterns and sparring divisions. Thomas Fogarty, the second seed in Individual Male Pattern 4th Dan (-6), faces Chun Weng Wong of Malaysia in the opening round, with the winner set to meet either Holmen Jukka of Finland, Steven Arroyo of England, or Bos Timothy of Italy in the next stage.
In sparring over 57–63kg, Thomas goes up against a formidable Japanese opponent, with an Uzbek fighter awaiting the winner in the following round.
Cian Barrett, competing in Individual Male Pattern 1st Dan, awaits the victor of a preliminary battle between fighters from Czechia and Australia. Meanwhile, in the Pre-Junior Sparring 48–52kg,
Irina Todorović opens against Yadav Ananya of India, with Slovakian or Netherlands challengers lined up for the next round. In Pre-Junior Pattern 1, Irina faces Sophie Knapp of England.
In the Individual Junior Female Sparring 65kg+, Evie Finucane takes on Downie Hazel of England, with a Swede, German, or Argentine competitor awaiting in the next stage.
Cork ITA Taekwon-Do has been a hub of excellence in martial arts for over 30 years, and the Mallow students’ journey to the World Championships reflects not only their skill but also the dedication and guidance of Master Buckley.
Team Ireland recently completed their final squad session in Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, where athletes honed their skills and displayed determination ahead of the ITF World Championships.
