Local fighters Ryan Sheehan and Peter Bracken continued their rise in the world of Muay Thai with double success at last weekend’s Irish Muay Thai Junior Championships in Waterford.
Eight-year old Ryan came out on top fighting in the 26kg category while Peter (12) triumphed in the 34kg category. Both are pupils in Clondulane National School.
Speaking to The Avondhu, Ryan’s father Dylan Sheehan who runs Samson Martial Arts in Cork, said both fighters impressed on their way to national titles on Sunday.
In his two fights, Ryan secured wins with first round stoppages in both, while Peter won his fight with a third round stoppage. Each contest lasts a maximum of five rounds, each lasting one minute.
Both Ryan and Peter train in Samson Martial Arts. “Ryan has been doing it all his life,” Dylan said. “Since he was a kid, he was involved with a club in Fermoy a years ago. Peter got on board a few years ago, they’re both probably involved with three or four years.”
Both lads have previously won Irish titles in Muay Thai, while Ryan has also collected a Five Nations title.
Dylan, who has 10 years Thai boxing experience and eight years experience in MMA, said Ryan and Peter will be in action next in three weeks time in Douglas, with sights set on European Championships next year.
In total, Samson Martial Arts brought home five Irish titles from the championships in Waterford, while another young fighter, Jodie ‘The Beast’ McCarthy (10) brought home six gold medals from the recent World Championships in Italy.
