Newry to Host Ulster Tae Kwon Do Championships This May

Newry Leisure Centre will host the 2026 ITF Taekwon-Do Ulster Championships on Sunday 10 May, with competition getting under way at 10am.

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Hosted by the Cathal Fegan School of Tae Kwon Do, the event will see junior and adult competitors take part from Taekwon-Do clubs across the whole of Ireland, with the championships open to all styles of the sport. Spectators are welcome free of charge, giving families and martial arts enthusiasts the chance to support the athletes and enjoy a full day of competition.

Cathal Fegan said ahead of the event: "We're delighted to host the 2026 ITF Taekwon-Do Ulster Championships in Newry. It's a great opportunity for competitors from across Ireland to come together, test their skills, and celebrate the spirit of Taekwon-Do. We're expecting a fantastic standard of competition from both junior and adult athletes."

This year's championships will support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and collection buckets will be available at the door for anyone wishing to donate.

Councillor Aidan Mathers, who worked alongside Fegan to secure the event for Newry, said: "I worked alongside event organiser Cathal Fegan to secure this major Ulster championship for Newry and to ensure it could be delivered locally. By working with council officials, barriers were removed and this event was brought to our area."

Cllr Mathers said the event would deliver wider benefits for the city. "Securing an event of this scale delivers real economic, social and sporting benefits. It brings visitors into the city, supports local businesses and reinforces Newry's reputation as a place that can host major regional events," he said while also praising the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for supporting families across our communities at the most difficult times.