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24 Feb 2026

Leitrim girl qualifies for European Championships taking place in Athens

Zoe Szemendrey was also nominated as the youngest ever Leitrim Sport Star Awards.

Leitrim girl qualifies for European Championships taking place in Athens,

Zoe Szemendrey has officially qualified to compete at the MMA European Championships taking place in Athens

Reporter:

Claire Corrigan

24 Feb 2026 11:26 AM

A  Leitrim girl has officially qualified to compete at the MMA European Championships taking place in Athens, Greece from 28 April to 3 May. 

12-year-old daughter Zoe Szemendrey, who will represent Ireland at the Global Association of Mixed Martical Arts (GAMMA)  on April 28, 2026.

At the previous International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) European Championship, she won a bronze medal and proudly competes in Irish colours.

She was also nominated as the youngest ever Leitrim Sport Star Awards. 

READ MORE: Where are all the frogs in Leitrim? Public asked to help keep a look out.

Her father Oliver is currently trying to raise funds to help cover travel and competition expenses stating that, "Any support would mean a lot to us."

He told us that Zoe started training Jiu Jitsu and Mma as a hobby in 2023 at the age of ten at Morris Martial Arts in Carrick on Shannon coached by Gary Morris. 
In 2024 she started training at Carrick-on-Shannon, C.M.T Morakot Muay-Thai under coach Stephen Warren.
Oliver continued; "During 2024 she earned a lots of medal in three different sport, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA. By 2025 February (at age 11) she turned into the highest ranked Jiu Jitsu practitioner under 16 in the local club and highest ranked under 14 in the county and top five in the country. During her holidays she also trained in different clubs including New Generation Fight Team and Szegedi Harcosok "Dedi Team". 
Her awards include first place in the 2024 Leitrim Grappling Championsip, first place in the 2025 Galway MMA Championship, first place in the 2025 and 2026 Leitrim MMA Championship and first place in the 2025 Tullamore Jiu Jitsu Championship
                          
He added that she has been nominated for Leitrim Sports Star Awards this year also as youngest athlete ever and will represent Ireland and Leitrim in Belfast this week in Belfast in MMA.
He said that the costs for travel, accommodation, registration fees, equipment, and preparation are significant and "Zoe trains relentlessly and gives everything to her sport but she needs support to make this opportunity possible. Your contribution—big or small—helps cover travel to Athens (28 April), accommodation for the duration of the championships, competition entry fees, training and preparation expenses and required gear and equipment. Zoe will proudly represent her team, her supporters and everyone who believes in her. Let’s get Zoe to Athens and help her showcase her talent on the European stage!"
You can donate here. 

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