Leitrim club fundraising to give young Muay Thai fighter a shot at World glory

Carrick-on-Shannon Muay Thai Club is currently fundraising to help send a young fighter to the Junior World Championships in Greece this November, described by coach Stíofán Ó Murnáin as the “epitome of competition” for Muay Thai fighters in that age group.

Adam Meghen, from Croghan, Co Roscommon, is hoping to represent not just the club, but the county and country, at the Junior World Championships later this year. The 14-year-old has shown immense dedication for his age and has already secured a few titles under his belt, having won an amateur title at the European Championships in November 2024 and recently winning an Irish title in Dublin.

“He is the epitome of hard work and dedication. His attitude makes him stand out. He has that toughness you don’t see anymore. He’s so independent and a determined hard worker,” said Stíofán.

Adam’s preparation for the World Championships is tough. “At the very least he will be running five kilometres six days a week, as close to 20 minutes as possible and training four days a week with the club,” explained Stíofán.

To send Adam over to represent the club and country would mean so much to the Carrick-on-Shannon club, so Stíofán has set up a GoFundMe to try and cover the costs associated with getting Adam over to compete.

The competition is held under the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), which holds full recognition from the International Olympic Committee. Stíofán explains that the only downside to competing in something that has Olympic recognition is the cost.

“You’re looking at about €2,500 per competitor for registration fees, equipment over there, travel and accommodation,” he explained, adding that the event lasts for 10 days, including opening ceremonies, selection of categories and six days of competing.

At his weight, Adam could be in a category of 16 people and could be competing every day if all goes well, with the hope of making the podium. It is a tough task, but one that he is training so hard for.

The club in Carrick-on-Shannon has between 60 to 70 members, made up of children, teenagers and young adults. The club is entirely non-profit, relying on community donations, and is also sponsored by local restaurant Buffalo Boy.

The Junior World Championship is set to take place from November 6 to November 16, and the club is looking to raise €2,000 to send Adam over. It is worth a huge deal to Adam and the wider club to have him go over, as Stíofán said, “It’s just the epitome of competition in terms of muay thai for that age group. There’s no bigger stage for it.”

Donations can be made to help Adam compete in November at this link.