Drogheda’s North East Judo Academy (NEJA) delivered an outstanding performance at the All-Ireland Judo Championships on Saturday, December 14th, at the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown winning three gold medals and a bronze.
In the six years since its founding, NEJA has made its mark in Irish judo. Seven NEJA members competed across various age categories, bringing home three gold medals and showcasing the strength and depth of talent within the club.
Genevieve Ryan – A Rising talent in Irish Judo
Genevieve Ryan Irish Champion in Pre-cadet on the gold position of the podium.
Among the standout performances, Genevieve Ryan captured the gold medal in the Pre-Cadet category, cementing her status as one of Ireland’s brightest judo prospects. Known for her incredible strength, Genevieve showcased her enhanced technical skills to dominate the competition and become an Irish champion.
“Genevieve’s growth as an athlete this year has been remarkable,” said Leo Ryan, NEJA’s Head Coach. “Her success at the All-Irelands is just the beginning, and we’re eager to see her compete internationally in 2025.”
NEJA is seeking sponsors to support Genevieve’s ambition to fight abroad next year, offering her the opportunity to gain invaluable experience on the European stage. This step is critical for her development and a unique chance to elevate Irish judo internationally.
Nikolas Hoderdzishvili – Gold in Minors
One of the highlights of the day came when Nikolas Hoderdzishvili, won gold in his final competition in the Minor category. Niko has shown relentless dedication and resilience to achieve this, overcoming recent disappointments. Winning all his fights with precision and composure, he showcased the true spirit of a champion.
“Niko has worked incredibly hard to reach this level,” said Leo Ryan. “His victory is a testament to his perseverance and passion for the sport. Travelling twice a week from Carrickmacross to Drogheda for training demonstrates his commitment, and we couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Irish Minor Champion Niko Hoderdzishvili proudly showing off his gold medal pictured with NEJA Head Coach, Leo Ryan.
Strong Start with Maksym Misinkevitch
Maksym Misinkevitch started the day strongly by clinching gold in his first outing as a cadet. Although his family recently moved to Lucan, and he now trains with the Higashi Judo Club in Leixlip, Maksym has been a valued member of NEJA for the past two years. The club is delighted to see him continuing to perform at such a high level and achieving this tremendous milestone.
Bronze Success for Michael Dunne
Michael Dunne earned a well-deserved bronze medal after an impressive performance. Still competing in the Minor category, Michael showcased his power and determination in a highly competitive field. There’s no doubt we’ll see continued success from him in the years to come.
Strong Performances, Debuts, and Leadership
Patrick Fayne faced a challenging draw, competing against two opponents from his pool who later advanced to the final. Similarly, Bevan McLaughlin had a tough day in his debut competition as a Pre-Cadet. Despite the challenges, both athletes have shown significant progress over the past year and are set to continue developing their skills.
Michael Dunne (Right) – Fighting for Bronze
In his debut competition for NEJA, Abder Djekhnoun impressed against an experienced Irish international in the U66kg category. His strong performance promises exciting progress in the coming year.
NEJA’s Head Coach, Leo Ryan, competed in the highly competitive Senior U73kg category after coaching his team all day. He pushed younger opponents to their limits, exemplifying the resilience and leadership that defines NEJA.
The club’s success was supported by Anne Yu Pascualena Lecea, who officiated as a table official and assisted with organisation of the event, ensuring smooth operations on the day.
Looking Ahead
NEJA’s exceptional results at the All-Ireland Judo Championships underline the club’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a love for the sport. Founded just six years ago, NEJA has quickly grown into a club producing champions and promising young talent. With plans to expand Genevieve Ryan’s competitive horizons and continue developing all its athletes, the future looks incredibly bright for this Drogheda-based club.
For more information about the North East Judo Academy, see their Facebook Page
For sponsorship opportunities and to support NEJA’s vision, please contact the club at droghedajudo@gmail.com.
