Sonkei Judo Club

Looking for a fresh challenge post summer?

Want to get fitter, stronger and more confident?

Training judo also compliments GAA, rugby, football and lots of other sports.

We have a rare opportunity to join us. A friendly club that offers both recreational and competitive training.

We have in our ranks.

Commonwealth Championship Medalist
GB Squad Players
GB Schools Champions and medalists
NI Open medalists
All Ireland Intervarsity Champion

Plus a wealth of talent and experience, but the best part… we push each other forward.

Pop us a message if you’re 14+ and keen to get involved. 🥋

Icicle 🟥🟥🟥🟨🟨

Tank 🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Jimmy 🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

A level up tonight for the team, congratulations on some excellent technique displays.

Tough grading from coach Mark H and you did very well.

A great night of food and fun to celebrate the summer social. Thank you to Thyme & Co independent Cafe for a delicious dinner and looking after us all.

Today the team went to compete in the No Gi competition in Carnmoney.

The training paid dividends, as the players performed incredibly well, all medallists in their respective contests and also winning in the open event!

Special mention to Tabitha for stepping up so soon after her hols and Tom B for some excellent submissions.

Tonight we celebrate at Thyme & Co independent Cafe for our summer social!

Well done everyone.

Coach Shay running the team through the last session, as 8 of us head to the No Gi competition on Saturday.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in action.

Then later on that evening, we head to Thyme & Co independent Cafe for our summer social 🍕

A BIG weekend ahead for the team 🥋

Down a few in numbers tonight, but the energy was up. Camp for the no gi starts now 💪💪

OPPORTUNITY 🚨

A rare opportunity to join the Sonkei seniors team has opened up!

We’re a small, yet very successful club, boasting all Ireland varsity, British schools and commonwealth medals amongst us.

However we pride ourselves on more than just judo, we offer a welcoming environment and a progressive pathway that includes developing fitness and skillsets.

We also have a great community spirit and culture.

If you’re looking to build preseason fitness, perhaps try something new to get fit, or fancy a new challenge, if you’re 15 and above, pop us a message.

Both males and females are welcome 🙏

Sonkei Judo swapped gis for gloves and a bat, and took to the diamond in style as Harris v Donald delivered a coaches’ challenge that was equal parts chaos, comedy, and genuinely impressive softball.

🥎 Match Report: Harris 44 – 36 Donald (5 Innings)

The opening pitches set the tone early: big swings, bigger laughs, and fielding that ranged from textbook to what‑on‑earth‑was‑that.

One coach even treated the crowd to a full face‑plant special — a moment that will live forever in Sonkei folklore and probably in a few slow‑motion replays.

🌟 Highlights

• Jack and Tom Jr were unstoppable, racking up hits, runs, and a couple of plays that wouldn’t look out of place on a highlight reel.
• Dodgy fielding made several appearances — dropped catches, mystery throws, and one moment where three players pointed at each other instead of the ball.
• Harris’ squad found their rhythm early, piling on runs and holding off a late surge from Team Donald to take the win 44–36 over five lively innings.
• Donald’s crew kept swinging, kept smiling, and kept the pressure on right to the final pitch.

👑 MVPs

• Jack – relentless energy, clutch hits, and a defensive play that had the bench on its feet.
• Tom Jr – power at the plate, speed on the bases, and a couple of absolute rockets into the outfield.

🙌 A Huge Thank‑You

A massive shout‑out to Frances, who stepped up as referee and kept the whole thing flowing with fairness, humour, and just the right amount of sass. The game wouldn’t have been half as smooth — or half as fun — without her.

🎉 Final Word

It was pure Sonkei spirit from first pitch to last: competitive, chaotic, supportive, and absolutely brilliant fun. The kind of night that reminds everyone why this club is more than just Judo..

Cold as ice, as Ronan “the icicle” completes his first ever grading.

Great technique on show, congratulations 🧊