Just under 600 competitors partook in the 20th INTA Open on 9 & 10 March, participating in the longest running Open ITF Taekwon-Do Tournament in Europe. We were delighted to have competitors, officials, and guests from Norway, Belgium, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
At the 9:45 a.m. lineup on Saturday, there were 420 colour belts under the age of 14, from all 6 nations. These contestants were joined by the umpires, officials and guests; chief among them:

Mr Maguire, 6th degree, from Northern Ireland
Mr Kent-Marrast, 6th degree, Chief Instructor ITF HQ Wales
Master Fagan, 7th degree, INTA
Master Stobie, 7th degree, Head Umpire Committee
Master van Driessche, 7th degree, President of ITF Belgium
Master Donnelly, 7th degree, INTA
Master Franks,  7th degree, INTA
Master Martin, 8th degree, INTA
Master Howard, 8th degree, RITA
Master Nicolaisen, 8th degree, President of ITF Taekwon-Do Norway
Master Douglas, 8th degree,  Vice President of the INTA
Grand Master Vanberghen, 9th degree, Technical Director of ITF Belgium
Grand Master O’Toole, 9th degree, President of the INTA

All Masters, members of the INTA board, and their partners were invited to the Mansion House in Dublin last Saturday night. We were welcomed by Nial Ring, the 349th Lord Mayor of the city. We were ushered into the Drawing Room for refreshments, after which the Lord Mayor gave us the very interesting “15 minute tour”, filled with historic anecdotes about this 300 year old mansion. The stint ended in the Dining Room, where we were invited to take a seat on the Victorian mahogany dining-room table, which was the table where the Cabinet members of the first and second Dáil had sat.

Bruce Mc Devitt of Dublin City Council sports officer joined us at the table. Dinner was a delicious 3-course meal, with lovely wine and plenty of time to catch up with everyone. After we all finished our meal, Master Fagan introduced the new World lightweight boxing champion Kelly Harrington. He then gave a speech in which Master Fagan complimented her achievements and boxing skills, and talked about the INTA in general. There was a lovely box of chocolates for Ms Harrington and all the ladies present. We then had some photo opportunities, and were invited to stay and have a few more drinks.

We thank Lord Mayor Nial Ring for the invitation, hospitality, and a lovely evening.

Photos by Mark Pollock Photograpy.

We are proud of our competitions, but this year we have a bit of a celebration. This year we run the INTA Open for the 20th time, making it the longest running Open International ITF Taekwon-Do competition in Europe!

So far we have guests arriving from Belgium, Scotland, Wales, Norway, and Northern Ireland. We hope you can join us this year, and be part of this fantastic competition.

The 20th INTA Open International ITF Taekwon-Do Tournament will be held in the Aras Preston Sports Complex, Gormanston Park, Gormanston, Co. Meath.

Saturday 9 March 2019 9:45 a.m. – All junior colour belts up to 13 years of age.
Sunday 10 March 2019 9:45 a.m. – All 14 years and older and all junior black belts.

See you there!