Ciara Forde earns 26th black belt for Judo Club

Ciara Forde became the 26th member of Killarney Judo Club to achieve black belt status following a successful performance on Sunday, September 27.

Forde spent the past year travelling to events across Ireland and the UK to secure the competitive points required for the grade. Needing three victories on the day, she completed the line-up by defeating an opponent who had beaten her in a previous bout.
The achievement marks a family milestone, with Forde joining her father Aidan and older sister Kate as black belt holders at the Killarney club.
“It’s a great reflection of her consistency and hard work this year,” coach Tim Kelly said. “Ciara has also been a mentor to many of the young girls through coaching, and hopefully she will inspire more to achieve their black belts in the years to come.”
Club members Patrik Polubnak and James Maher, both aged 16, also advanced their black belt gradings on the day. Each fighter reached 30 points, with Polubnak securing three submission victories and Maher earning two wins.
Conor Sowerby and Shaun Hester both attained their blue belts. Sowerby, who began his judo training in Killarney, now competes with UCD, while Hester recently joined the local club’s juvenile coaching team.
The club is now preparing for upcoming fixtures, with senior members traveling to the Leinster Open in Dublin and junior members competing at the Munster Mini Mon in Limerick.
Further details are available by contacting Tim Kelly on 086-2601591 or visiting killarneyjudo.com.

Tractors of all eras will descend on Farranfore next month when the Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club hosts its annual charity Tractor Show at the 4 Park Business Centre on Sunday, October 11.

Vehicles will arrive from 10.00am, with doors opening to the public at 11.00am.

The display will cater to both modern and vintage machinery enthusiasts, featuring a dedicated Vintage section and a showcase marking the 80th anniversary of the Ferguson 20 tractor.

Owners can also put their machinery to the test in a dyno testing zone. Spaces cost €200 and can be pre-booked by calling 087-9162303.

The event is running as a fundraiser for three local causes: Firies National School, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, and Killarney Valley AC.

Proceeds directed to Firies National School will fund a memorial bench in the school’s Willow Garden dedicated to former pupil Ryan Nagle, who passed away in 2019.

Recovery Haven Kerry will use funds to deliver free practical and emotional support to cancer patients and families, while donations to Killarney Valley AC will support the volunteer-led athletics facility.

Family entertainment includes an inflatable fun zone, a Digger Challenge skill game, and food served by The Warehouse Café.

The event has received sponsorship support from Tricel, Reens Rathmore, SAMCO Agri Sales, C Wharton Tool Hire, The Warehouse Café, and Noel C Duggan Structural Steel Ltd.

Entry is by donation at the gate. Further details are available from the club on 087-3381842 or 087-2383809.