Maghera teen strikes silver and bronze at Taekwondo Championships
14-year-old Ruby Catherwood’s standout performance helps local martial arts squad capture a stunning ten-medal haul in Waterford.
Maghera teen Ruby Catherwood struck silver and bronze at the Crystal Classic 2026 Taekwondo Championships in Waterford, helping her club secure a phenomenal ten-medal haul at the weekend.
Competing in the highly competitive 14–17 years division, the 14-year-old Maghera martial artist delivered a standout performance on the mat to claim a silver medal in sparring and a bronze medal in patterns.
Ruby was part of a dedicated six-student squad from the local club that travelled south to face top-tier competition. Her superb individual success contributed to an impressive overall team tally of four gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.
The local club dominated across multiple age brackets. Alongside Ruby's stellar podium finishes, Cillian Brehony (9–10 years) and Harley Jackson (14–17 years) both turned in flawless performances to sweep double gold in both patterns and sparring.
Massive credit also went to the squad's younger competitors. First-timer Ezra Johnston (9–10 years) claimed a brilliant silver in patterns in his tournament debut, while Kristians Frisbergs secured bronze in the 11–13 years sparring. Alfie Douglas (8 and under) completed the local medal rush with bronze in patterns and silver in sparring.
Head Coach Dean Pritchard expressed immense pride in Ruby and the rest of the local contingent following the Waterford showcase.
"It takes a lot of courage and dedication to be successful at these competitions, and these results show just how hard our kids are working to achieve their goals," Coach Pritchard said.
For more information about the club, local training schedules, or how to get started, contact [email protected] or call 07825235480.