Team Ireland head to the TaeKwon Do world championship full of hope and confidence

Mon, 21 Jul, 2025 - 10:12

Barbara O'Connell

Ireland, back boned by several Cork athletes is set to make a formidable impression at the upcoming international Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) World Championships taking place in Barcelona from July 22nd to 27th, 2025.

With 30 countries and over 700 competitors preparing to showcase their skills, this tournament marks the largest and the most prestigious event in the global Taekwon-Do calendar.

Flying the Irish flag with pride, Team Ireland is bringing its biggest-ever delegation to the World Championships from across Ireland—a powerful representation of the country’s growing strength and commitment in the martial arts arena.

The Team Ireland delegation consists of:

Blackrock Tae Kwon Do Club, Cork coaches Paul Manning, Gar Fleming, and David Lyons (injured|) are part of the Team Ireland squad at MTU Arena ahead of the International Tae-Kwon Do World Championships which are being held in Barcelona this year. 72 competitors, 16 coaches and 4 umpires will travel as part of Team Ireland. Picture Larry Cummins

• 72 competitors, representing all competition categories: Pre-Junior (U12–13), Junior (14–17), Adult (18–39), and Senior (40+)

• 17 dedicated coaches, preparing athletes for events across four disciplines: Sparring, Patterns, Power Breaking, and Special Technique

• Four umpires who will contribute to fair officiating on the international stage

• More than 50 passionate spectators, including family, friends, and fans will be in attendance to cheer on their heroes.

• A standout 38 athletes from Cork, defining the county’s impressive role in developing elite martial artists.

Following a standout performance at the European Championships in Cardiff last summer, where Irish competitors brought home a slew of gold medals, the team’s determination is sky-high.

Building on the momentum of the 2023 ITF World Championships in Amsterdam—where Ireland captured five golds—the goal this year is very clear: exceed that tally and make history.

In the lead-up to the World Championships, training has been relentless—with sessions held nearly every weekend at gyms and Taekwon-Do venues throughout the country.

Competitors and their families have shown huge commitment, frequently journeying across Ireland to hone their skills and train alongside fellow teammates from different provinces.

Amelia McCarthy-Cleary of Kinsale Tae Kwon Do receiving instruction from coach Master Liam Corkery of the Team Ireland squad. The final group training session for Team Ireland squad was held at MTU Arena ahead of the International Tae-Kwon Do World Championships which are being held in Barcelona this year. 72 competitors, 16 coaches and 4 umpires will travel as part of Team Ireland. Picture Larry Cummins

Their dedication reflects the drive powering Team Ireland.

Master Ruairi O'Brien, a respected instructor from Cobh, is Head Coach of the national squad.

Master Liam Corkery, Master McCabe, Master Dowling and Master Ruairi O'Brien, Head Coach, who will lead the Team Ireland squad. The final group training session for Team Ireland squad was held at MTU Arena ahead of the International Tae-Kwon Do World Championships which are being held in Barcelona this year. 72 competitors, 16 coaches and 4 umpires will travel as part of Team Ireland. Picture Larry Cummins

Sharing his thoughts ahead of departure, he said this was the strongest team they could have assembled.

“This is the strongest and most unified team we’ve ever brought to a world championships.

"We’re not just going to compete—we’re there to win!”

As athletes and their families make final preparations and excitement builds, Ireland’s competitors are ready to bring their discipline, power, and technique to one of the sport’s most elite stages.

With the spotlight now turning to Barcelona, fans across the country—and beyond—will be cheering on Team Ireland as they aim for the podium and aim to redefine success on the international stage.