Cork youth MMA fighters launch fundraiser to compete at world championships for Ireland

A mother of one of the competitors said: 'These young athletes represent the spirit and resilience of Cork'

SBG Cork members (left to right) Katie Power, (a current world champion), Matthew O'Donoghue, Deividas Martinkus, Allen Kaczor, AJ Whitehouse, Jack Connolly, Atia Munir O'Flynn and Andrzej O'Riordan (the youngest member), who are all set to represent Ireland at the world championships in Abu Dhabi.

A group of talented young MMA fighters are the focus of a massive fundraising campaign to ensure they can fight for Ireland on the world stage.

Atia O'Flynn, 17, Katie Power, 16, Andrzej O’Riordan, 12, Allen Kaczor, 17, Matthew O’Donoghue, 16, Deividas Martinkus, 17, Jack Connolly, 17, and AJ Whitehouse, 16 — all members of SBG Cork martial arts school — have been selected on the Irish youth Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) team to represent Ireland at the IMMAF World Championships in Abu Dhabi in August.

But because the umbrella organisation for MMA in Ireland does not receive any State funding, all expenses for trips like this must be paid for by the athletes' families.

Many of the SBG Cork teen academy members have fought and won for Ireland on the European and world stage already — Katie is the reigning IMMAF world champion in the 14-15 age category and will be fighting in an older age category this year, while Katie and Atia won European medals already this year.

Now, they must fight to find the funding to finance their world championship trip.

“These young athletes represent the spirit and resilience of Cork,” Atia’s mother, Jennifer said.

“They have proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Cork teenager Atia Munir O'Flynn. 'These young athletes represent the spirit and resilience of Cork.' Lenohe Photos

“By supporting them, we can show them that their community stands behind them and believes in their dreams.” 

The athletes train locally with SBG Cork’s head coach Liam Óg Griffin, and also travel to Dublin every weekend for Ireland squad training with world champion and Team Ireland head coach, Danni McCormack.

Jennifer said: “Every week, they travel to Dublin, clocking countless hours on the road just to practice.

“They essentially live in the gym, balancing their training regimen with schoolwork and other commitments.

“Their dedication is truly inspiring, but their journey is far from easy."

World MMA champion in the 14-15 age category, Katie Power, shows Lord Mayor Kieran McCarthy her medal.

The club and their families have now launched a GoFundMe campaign and organised several fundraisers over the coming weeks to gather the required funding.

SBG Cork’s Marlene Griffin said their success is "a powerful testament" to their hard work and the vibrant community at the club.

“They not only pursue their dreams with fierce determination but also inspire other teens in our gym to see that hard work truly pays off," she said.

Youth MMA bouts are governed by different rules to adult bouts, with no head shots or punching on the ground allowed, with more focus on grappling than punching.

You can contribute to their fundraising campaign on their gofundme page.