Local athletes do Midlands proud in Abu Dhabi

THREE local Mixed Martial Arts fighters did their home communities proud when they travelled to the United Arab Emirates to compete in the Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi over the weekend.

Ciaran Keeshan from Roscrea, Conor Kelly from Birr and Finn Bowe from Cloughjordan competed in the 2023 MMA Youth World Championship over the weekend and brought home medals and records.

The three successful fighters were greeted by a large crowd at a special homecoming event in The Stand Bar in Roscrea on Bank Holiday Monday. Friends, family and fans turned out with flags and banners to welcome the athletes home.

Roscrea's Ciaran Keeshan (61.2kg) took home bronze after three dominant performances, before losing out in the semi-final to the eventual winner from Ukraine. 

Cloughjordan's Finn Bowe (57kg) lost a very close decision to a Bulgarian competitor in fis first fight and dominated in his second, but the decision went against him in a bout against a competitor from Bahrain. He lost his third fight by unanimous decision in a hard-fought battle.

Birr's Conor Kelly (65.8kg) gave two very strong performances, winning one through his effective use of the Anaconda choke-hold and lost one fight by decision - losing out in the quarter-final against a very strong competitor from Tajikistan. 

Roscrea's Ciaran Keeshan with his brother, well known local songwriter Jack, at the special homecoming event in Roscrea on Bank Holiday Monday