Precision, confidence and trophies

Lakelands Taekwondo Bailieborough hosted a Poomsae development competition in the Community College sport hall in Bailieborough. Fifty-two participants from Cavan town, Longford, Dublin, Meath and of course Bailieborough attended the competition.

This form of Taekwondo competition focuses on executing pre-arranged sequences of techniques. Depending on the grade level, this involves intricate turns, kicks, blocks and punches.

Nora Connell is a 4th Dan Black Belt Master who teaches classes in town: “This competition was open to competitors of all abilities and provided an opportunity to practice poomsae in a friendly and low pressure environment.” Her hope was that this event would provide students with the confidence to take part in larger competitions in the future.

“Having competed in many national and international competitions myself and knowing how nerve-wracking it can be, my aim is to instill a pride in my students, for having the courage to step onto the mats, irrespective of the results.”

Along with the students, other instructors attended the contest in Bailieborough. With a wealth of judging experience both at home and abroad, Master Dominic Connell, was the judge on the day.

“The feedback was very positive from all the clubs that attended,” said Master Nora Connell, proud to see her own students do well in the competition: “It was clear that her students had been practicing hard at home and it showed in their performance. We had best male and female trophies in both the junior and senior categories for the highest scores of the competition, which were won by Ben Rodgers, Lacey O’Reilly, Gary Dip, and Emily Ellison.”