Sullivan Fencing: 2026 East of Ireland Open Fencing Tournament

The East of Ireland Open, the 5^th of Ireland’s 6 National Circuit events, took place last weekend 14^th and 15^th March in University College Dublin. Eight SU fencers took part: Myles Wilkinson, Adam Sugar, Ethan Dilworth, Flynn Woolsey-Jensen and William Penny in the men’s foil and Amelia Penny, Cassidy Ogle and Erin Keough in the women’s foil.

In the men’s foil Myles made the last 16, finishing in 11^th after a narrow defeat for a place in the last 8. Adam was just outside the L16 in 17th, while Ethan, after being knocked out by Myles in the L32, finished 22^nd. Flynn and William both won their L64 fights, ending up in 29^th and 30^th, respectable results for two 13 year old juniors testing the waters of senior competition.

Unfortunately, from a team Sullivan point of view, Amelia and Cassidy met in the L16 of the women’s foil, meaning that only one of SU’s 2 top female fencers would make it through to the L8. Amelia won 15-11, but was then beaten in her quarter-final by the eventual competition winner to take 7^th place with Cassidy 10^th. Erin finished 18^th, this being her first senior competition, having just fenced in her last ever competition as a junior (NIJFS U16) the week before.

This was a tough senior competition that had strong international attendance, with fencers competing from Canada, the USA and across Europe, along with the best in Ireland (North and South). The next event for SUFC fencers will be the Irish National Championships on 18^th & 19^th April in Dublin.

David White

SUFC Coach

17 Mar 2026