Derry fencer Thea Leadley secures double podium at 2026 Irish Open
Competitor Thea Leadley brings home Junior championship title and elite Senior Bronze.
The Fencing Club, Derry, is celebrating a historic weekend as local fencer Thea Leadley delivered a spectacular double-podium performance at the 2026 Irish Open in Dublin.
Competing against top talent from across the country, Leadley captured the championship title in the Junior Division before stepping up to claim a podium finish against the island's top elite competitors.
Her exceptional weekend run concluded with two major accolades: Gold Medal – Junior Division Champion; and Bronze Medal – Senior Women’s Épée (Third Place).
The dual-medal victory underscores Leadley's rising prominence in Irish fencing, proving her ability to dominate her youth division while simultaneously establishing herself as a formidable force at the highest senior level.
With bases in Eglinton and Magee, The Fencing Club provides elite and recreational fencing tuition across all age groups and weapon categories, fostering local talent to compete on national and international stages.