Limerick Man Paddy McMahon 5th Dan was honoured with a Life Time Achievement Award.
Mr Francis Treanor, President of the Irish Judo Association, speaking at this year’s All Irelands welcomed all the participants & their families to the championships. Before proceeding with the prize giving ceremony to the minors, Francis welcomed guests Cllr Donal O’Grady Lord Mayor of Killarney, Mr Paddy McMahon 5th Dan, his wife Josephine, Mr Jim Crockett 4th Dan, Mr Tadhg Kelly 2nd Dan, Chairman of Killarney Judo Club and Mr Jack Dennis 6th Dan.
Francis noted that a very special guest was present today, Mr Paddy McMahon 5th Dan with his wife and family. Paddy McMahon was a past President of the Irish Judo Association and today was the first time for Francis to meet him. Paddy’s name is very well known in the judo circles and he is a legend in the Irish Judo Association. Looking over his Judo licence book, Francis was amazed with the names of other great Irish Judo personnel & well know Judoka from International judo fraternity who had trained and graded Paddy. He also stated that Paddy (who is 81) was doing Judo before he was born, this shows you how long the sport of Judo is going on in Ireland. The President handed over to Mr Jim Crockett 4th Dan to say a few words about Paddy and his achievements. Jim went on to say that Paddy and others at that time were instrumental in bringing Judo in Ireland to the level that we have today and what they started has continued. He like others, devoted their time and effort to the sport. These two men were very worthy opponents on the Judo Mat and friends off the mat.
This award was made possible by the involvement of Mr Terry Healy 3rd Dan, Defence Forces Judo Club and Cork Judo Club.
Picture (photo by Ger Cronin Killarney)
