Phillips brothers at All Ireland Championship

ON Saturday Dalriada pupils Stewart and Connor Phillips took part in the All Ireland Judo Championship host by the Irish Judo Association at the National Training Centre in Finglas Dublin.

The two boys had just received their 'Senior Honours' by Dalriada at assembly on Friday morning in recognition of their achievements at the previous week’s Ulster Schools Championship where Stewart won the Gold and Connor won the silver.

There were 150 competitors in total from all over Ireland and all had earned the right to be at the finals through a series of qualification competitions held in their own particular region.

Stewart and Connor - who are trained by Causeway Judo’s Alan Ashcroft and Marshall Craig - were on top form both bringing home medals for Dalriada.

Stewart had been nursing a foot injury since winning gold at the Ulster Schools Championship as reported in last week’s Ballymoney Times but insisted he take part and managed to pick up the silver in a very close contest.

Meanwhile his brother Connor managed to pick up the bronze on the other mat to complete the day.

Their father Steven said he was pleased with the performance on the day.

He said: "I think it's important that Dalriada was represented.

“Judo is a great sport for school children. It keeps them fit and disciplined at the same time. It's a pity that more of Ballymoney’s schools weren't at the event but maybe next year that will change".

Causeway Judo’s Alan Ashcroft is hoping to take Judo and wrestling to some of the local schools in Ballymoney at the start of the next school year.

A trial period of both Judo and Wrestling at Coleraine High School proved that Judo and Wrestling can be a great addition to many sports such as rugby and hockey by boosting a player’s personal confidence.

If you want to take part in Judo, Causeway Judo meet at the Castlehill Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursday at 7.00pm for juniors and 8.00pm for seniors.