Ballycanew twins Adam and Dylan Duffy could not have made it to the rostrum on the Worldwide Blended Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Championships in Abu Dhabi however they definitely put up a superb combat.
he 13-year-olds each received and misplaced a combat on the current competitors, which noticed them battle it out towards among the high younger fighters from all over the world as members of the Irish MMA Youth Worldwide Staff. In keeping with their mom Liz, the competitors was an important expertise for the boys, who’ve been coaching for a number of years below Richie Ivory.
“They loved the competitors and discovered lots from the expertise. They undoubtedly hope to make the staff once more subsequent yr,” she stated.
Whereas the boys took to the ring in Abu Dhabi, their family and friends had been in a position to cheer them on from residence by watching a stream of the competitors.
“It was powerful for us as we weren’t there with them after which, as a result of technical issues, we missed Dylan’s first combat, which was disappointing,” stated Liz. “We had a ton of assist and nicely needs for the boys, which was very nice.”
In current months, Liz organised numerous fundraisers to assist to lift the €6,000 required to ship the boys to Abu Dhabi. A €10,000 donation from their hero, Conor McGregor, secured the chance for them, and in addition left them with extra cash to buy gear for Richie Ivory’s gymnasium and donate cash to the Waterford Neonatal unit.
“I simply wish to thank everybody who has supported the boys. So many native companies donated to the raffle that we had for the lads, which was superb” stated Liz. “I might additionally wish to thank Caroline Doran, who helped lots with organising the boys Fb web page, raffles, doing up flyers and so on. She did an incredible job.”
Simply days after ending the competitors in Abu Dhabi, the twins had been again coaching within the gymnasium as soon as once more.