IN PICTURES: Laois teenager crowned European Taekwondo Champion

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Ballybrittas native Shane Allison has been in the form of his life in the past 12 months when it comes to the sport of Taekwondo. The St Paul's Monasterevin Leaving Cert student was crowned 75kg Individual Sparring ITF European Champion in Poland in April where he competed against Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Romania to take his 2^nd ITF Taekwondo European Title. Shane also competed in the ITF European Junior Male Team Sparring event in Poland with Joey, David, Mark, Jacob and Jeffrey where they secured Silver. SEE MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Shane trains in Nio Taekwondo Newbridge with Mr Hong Looi and Miss Sabina Mason, both of whom travelled out to Finland and Poland to support him. They went above and beyond in helping Shane prepare both physically and mentally, they have guided him every step of the way both on and off the mats.

Shane started doing Taekwondo when he was about 4 and a half. From the moment he started it he loved it. He has been training in Kickboxing since he was around 12. He trains 5-6 times per week and during the preparation for International competitions, attends National Team Squad sessions which are held across the country at weekends. Shane trains in Kickboxing with Korean Kickboxing Cabra (KKC).

Over the past 12 months Shane has successfully competed in several martial arts disciplines:

European Championship Taekwondo – Romania April 2023

75kg Individual Sparring ITF European Champion

He competed against Netherlands, Sweden, Croatia, Norway and Romania

World Championship Taekwondo – Finland September 2023

75kg Individual Sparring ITF World Champion

Competed against England, Finland, Scotland, Argentina, Australia and Romania.

ITA Taekwondo Irish Open- November 2023

75kg Sparring National Champion 
Shane was also awarded the Junior Male Competitor of the Year at the inaugural ITA Gala Awards Night

December 2023 – Liverpool.

Shane competed in his first full contact fight which was in the ring. He battled through 5 tough rounds and by unanimous decision became the 75kg WMO International Champion.

February 2024

75kg Sparring National Champion and Special Technique National Champion at the ITA Taekwondo Munster Open

March 2024

75kg National Champion in both Kick Light and Light Contact at the KBI Kickboxing All Ireland Championship
Shane was invited to take part in the first Budo Combat League event in Stoke On Trent on St.Patrick’s weekend. He was announced as the 75kg Sparring champion for his event, winning by TKO in 3rd round.
75kg Sparring National Champion and Special Technique National Champion at the ITA Taekwondo Dublin Open

Looking Ahead

Shane has another busy schedule alongside sitting his Leaving Cert exams. In May, he's on the fight card at the Elite Kickboxing Show taking place in Clontarf. July will see Shane return to the Budo League in Liverpool to compete for a World Title. Shane will represent Ireland in August as he competes at the WAKO World Championships in Budapest where he will compete in 2 sections: Light Contact and Kick Light.

Special thanks go to Shane’s sponsors: McCormack’s Bar in Castlepollard, MPF Plant Fitters, Rosie & Jim Foods and jscarsandcommercials, Edgeworthstown. It has made a world of difference to Shane and his parents to have this support in helping get Shane out to so many events.