Veteran Fencing in Ireland

Fencing is a sport that can be continued throughout life, what may be lost in agility and speed can often be made up in experience and cunning. Veterans’ events are open to any fencer over the age of 40, and the veterans section is thriving at all levels.

The European Veterans Fencing Committee (EVFC) was set up in 1991 to promote participation by older fencers, and to give them a wider range of competitive opportunities. To get in touch with please email: veterans@fencingireland.net

The Veterans Irish Open - A Resounding Success

The Fencing Ireland Veterans Committee recently hosted the Veterans Irish Open in Dublin, an event that proved to be a tremendous success. Fencers from across the globe travelled to take part, bringing with them a spirit of camaraderie and competitive excellence. This international turnout not only elevated the level of competition but also highlighted the growing strength of veteran fencing in Ireland.

With the success of this event, we have lay down a strong foundation for future competitions and we are delighted to announced that we have secured a place on the EVF circuit for 2025/26 this is a huge milestone with lots of dedication from lots of people!

https://www.veteransfencing.eu/event/evf-circuit-dublin-irl/

Our committee

Fencing Ireland Veterans Committee

Fencing Ireland established a Veterans Committee in March 2008 to lead the co-ordination of fencing events for veterans. Our veterans’ committee is affiliated to the EVFC and aims to promote participation at domestic and overseas events from fencers over 40years

Current Committee Members:

- Chair - Annemarie Sullivan
- Secretary - Dawid Kulka
- Committee - Fiona Haldane, Anna-Lise Mion, Claire Murray, Nuala McGarrity, Patrick Dight, Michael Ryan

Annemarie Sullivan (Chair)

Annemarie discovered fencing as an adult and is now proudly part of the veteran fencing community. With five years of service on the Fencing Ireland Board, including a year as Company Secretary, she’s passionate about growing the sport. As the Chair of both the Women in Fencing and Veterans' Committees, Annemarie is dedicated to organizing projects and events, supporting competitions, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive fencing community.

If you have suggestions or questions? Feel free to reach out to her at: asullivan@fencingireland.net

Dawid Kulka (Secretary)

Dawid Kulka started fencing Epee in Primary school in 1989. He attended Prof. Zbigniew Czajkowski's fencing club and was a finalist in the Youth Olympics in Poland. He was also Team Junior Champion and represented Poland Internationally for many years. After taking a break from fencing, it was only after he moved to Ireland in 2005 that he decided to take up fencing again. Upon receiving his Irish citizenship Dawid began to successfully represent Ireland at International level. Dawid fences in domestic competitions and international events and is top of the senior rankings for Epee in Ireland. Since Dawid reached the ‘’experienced’’ level of age, he started fencing in Veterans events across Europe; and has many podium results, and is ranked at the top end in his category for Epee in Europe.

Dawid, was delighted to take up the role of Secretary on Fencing Ireland's Veterans Committee and is excited to share his wide variety of knowledge and offer International advice when needed. Please do not hesitate to contact him if you have any queries.

Claire Murray ( Committee Member)

I started fencing when I was 11 years old at Victoria College Belfast with the late Bill Cumming. Foil was my chosen weapon back then and I competed for N.I. at School, Cadet and Senior level for many years. After a very long extended break through life’s ups and downs, I started back to fencing in 2022 and I have to say my passion and love for the sport has been fully reignited!

I made the decision to change to Epee and I currently fence at Stormont Fencing Club Belfast and Queens University Belfast (still trying to keep up with the young ones!) Over the last couple of years Veteran Fencing has given me the opportunity to travel to amazing places in the world and make wonderful friends.

I currently represent Ireland at Veteran Level and Northern Ireland at Senior Level. I look forward to helping Fencing Ireland Veterans to continue to light up the map. If you need anything please do not hesitate to get in touch - rockyreid18@googlemail.com

Fiona Haldane ( Committee Member)

I started fencing as an adult, after leaving university, in 1973. Women were only allowed to fence foil in those days! I quickly decided that this was the perfect, stress-busting exercise for me as a busy biology teacher with two small children. I ‘retired’ twice, but I missed it (and the friendship and camaraderie) so much that I came back and fenced in competitions all over Ireland and Great Britain. I fenced foil on the N.Ireland Senior team and for Ireland at the World Championships in Barcelona in 1985.

Then in 2000 a friend who had moved to Yorkshire suggested that I join the British Veterans so that we could meet up again and go to competitions. I was persuaded to do Epee, bought a new kit, and wondered if I would get my money’s worth out of it – I certainly think I have! I discovered a whole new world of highly competitive but very friendly events, including European and World Championships. I have fenced in France, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Belgium, Switzerland, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, traveling to places that I would not have been to otherwise and making friends with people who I would not have met otherwise. It has quite simply enriched my life and I am so grateful to all who have made it possible.

It has been wonderful to be a part of the expansion of Veterans' Fencing in Ireland – join us!

Patrick Dight ( Committee Member)

Patrick Dight started fencing in 1985 and never stopped. He has represented Ireland in Foil and Sabre at Senior and Veteran competitions and has been known to pick up an Epee on occasion too. He has fenced in Dublin and Limerick over the years and now lives in Nenagh where he coaches at Munster Blades Fencing Club (all welcome 7pm Fridays at St Mary's Secondary School). Patrick teaches Transition Year fencing courses in Secondary Schools so if you are a TY coordinator please get in touch!

Michael Ryan ( Committee Member)

Started fencing Spring 1960, was lucky to have an excellent coach (Prof. Patrick Duffy), parted company Spring 1968 and ceased being coached other than some excellent sessions with David Losonczi in 2023/24. National Junior Foil Men’s Champion 1961, Coupe C.E.P. winner 1968. national épée champion 1962,63,64,65,67,68,75, Open épée champion 1964, last 16 of under 20 World Championships (Ghent 1963), fourth in Leamington (1969), second round in Tokyo Olympics 1964 (foil), knocked out in first round of Mexico Olympics 1968, 8th out of 9 in E.U. champions competition (Brussels 1975), after being inveigled by Nuala in 2006 to take things up again 22nd in Veterans World Championships (Bath 2006). Bronze medal (épée) in Irish Veterans Open 2025 (three in age category…). Member of various national championship winning épée teams for Salle Duffy, UCD and Achilles. Member a number of times of Duffy Memorial veteran competition winning team. Privileged to be member of many Ireland teams from 1962 onwards.

Member of FI Board in 1970/71 (1971 Treasurer) and for a number of years after 2006. Selector at various times in 1960s and in 2000s. 1962 restarted the UCD fencing club (with the late Jean ‘John’ Fouéré), in 1980s started DCU fencing club (with then student Cormac Twomey). Member of FI veterans subcommittee.

Until I started fencing health had been bad, never a day in hospital since D.G., also had a lot of fun, made many friends. Sword fighting is good for you at all ages…

some of our committee

Policies and Vision

Our Mission Statement

The Fencing Ireland Veterans Committee is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and supportive community for fencers aged 39 and above.
We promote veteran fencing by supporting participation in national and international competitions, offering networking opportunities, and ensuring that the voices and needs of veteran fencers are represented.
Through collaboration with other Fencing Ireland subcommittees, external bodies, and the Fencing Ireland Board, we aim to advance the sport while maintaining an inclusive and engaged veteran community.

Our Vision

Selection Policy

Terms of Reference

Photo and Video Gallery

Veterans Irish Open Highlights Day One

Veterans Irish Open Highlights Day Two

Podium Photos

Many thanks to Gregory Ufnal from GMU Photography http://www.gmuphotography.ie

Our Past Success

View Philip Lee's spectacular win at the European Veteran Championships 2019 - View

Veterans Tournaments World Wide

Recent years have seen new competitions restricted to those over forty years of age. These Veterans events include an officially recognized World and European Championship, with different age categories for fencers over 40, over 50, over 60, and over 70. Large overseas events are increasingly adding a veteran event to their schedule

Ireland participates in a number of team competitions for veterans, including the Veteran Four Nations and the Celtic Challenge.

Yearly Veteran Competitions:

Veterans Quadrangular (or Veteran Four Nations) takes place every year and involves teams from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It is open to any fencer over 40 subject to eligibility
European Championships are held each May, alternating between an individual and team championship. Individuals are split into 40+, 50+, 60+ and 70+ while teams are split into Veteran (40-59) and Grand Veteran (60+).
The biennial Celtic Challenge rotating between nine Celtic regions from Scotland to Spain each July. Any eligible fencer over 40 may take part.
World Championships run every October, including both a team event and an individual event. Fencers are split into A, B, C denoting 50+, 60+ and 70+ respectively.