Minister Leo Varadkar of Transport, Tourism and Sport and
Mayor of South Dublin Cathal King
That's the Mayor of South Dublin Cathal King and Minister Leo Varadkar of Transport, Tourism and Sport there, seen standing at the recent 2013 Irish Open. It's an international kickboxing tournament that took place in Citywest Hotel and Convention Center located in Saggart, Co. Dublin.

Why is this of interest? Because it meant 2,900 competitors, coaches and families came from around the world to Meet To Compete in South Dublin.


The event is organised every year by the Irish Open Volunteer Committee and Kickboxing Ireland.  Kickboxing Ireland is a National Governing Sporting Body for Kickboxing in Ireland under the Auspices of the Irish Martial Arts Commission. IMAC is a multi-disciplinary martial arts body and currently represents martial arts clubs throughout the 32 counties of Ireland. All profits from the event are donated annually to ISPCC.

‘The ISPCC is a charity very close to my heart and I am so happy that we can contribute to Childline every year’ said Roy Baker, President, Kickboxing Ireland.

Participants from different 36 countries and four continents, including Italy, Austria, Belgium, Chile,  Denmark, Germany, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, United States and Venezuela gathered in the Citywest Hotel, Conference, Leisure & Golf Resort for 3 days of competition.


Don't believe me?

Competitors taking part in the 2013 Irish Open.
Looks pretty intense! Here's a video from the day with some exciting news of more kickboxing events happening over the next two years in South Dublin:



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