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Carrick Castle Tournament 2007
 10th
Anniversary Tournament
held
in the medieval setting of
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
on Sat
16th and Sun 17th June 2007
(Dates for 2008
- 7th - 8th June 2008)
Click here
for 2008 event
The Carrickfergus Castle was brought
to life with the sounds of swords clashing in
battle on the occasion of the 10th Annual Carrickfergus
Castle Tournament on 16th-17th June 2007. This
tournament was spurn out of a love of the sport
and a desire for friendly competition in a unique
environment. The setting of a medieval castle
was the idea of David Courtney who felt that
Carrickfergus Castle was the ideal setting due
to its rich history of battles which he felt
could be continued in a modern setting with
fencers from around the globe fighting in the
keep, on the battlements and all round the grounds
for the honour that comes with the title Carrickfergus
Castle champion!
The competition over the course of its illustrious
lifetime has changed significantly from its
humbly beginnings as a one day event for ladies
and men’s epee and sabre to include all
three weapons (foil, epee and sabre) for both
Ladies and Men fought over two days. Now under
the guidance of Jonathan Courtney, David’s
son, this expansion has been facilitated by
the generous sponsorship we receive from local
businesses, such as Truska
Enterprises, SME-Backup
and the Bean Machine. Carrickfergus Borough
Council has also supported us in their endeavours
to aid the local economy with a significant
influx of tourists and an added attraction to
the castle over the weekend. Carrickfergus Castle
has kindly hosted the event over the last ten
years and we would wish to extend our thanks
to the staff of Carrickfergus Castle from Stormont
Fencing Club and all the fencers who have participated
over the years.
 Left:
Some members of the host club, Stormont Fencing
Club, who both organised and fenced in the competition.
A damp Saturday morning saw fencers arriving
for the Foil and Sabre competitions and be stunned
by the magnificence of the castle and the grounds.
Though many have been before Saturday morning
is always a time when people are over-awed by
the prospect of fencing in the castle. The competitions
proceed to provide us with excellent fencing
and sometimes surprising results. The finals
where thoroughly enjoyable and produced new
champions in all weapons. Northern Ireland fencers
excelled by taking 1st and 3rd places in Men’s
Sabre, 2nd place in Ladies Sabre, 2nd place
in Ladies Foil and 3rd in Men’s Foil.
A rather brighter Sunday commenced with a light
hearted banter amongst the fencers before the
serious matters of the day started with the
Epee Competitions. These competitions proved
the phrase “on any given Sunday you can
win or lose…..” with shocking upset
results coming in from all over the castle grounds.
The competitions provided great enjoyment for
spectators and fencers alike and produced two
great finals. With Northern Ireland fencers
performing well, Fiona Haldane retaining her
title of Ladies Epee Carrickfergus Castle Champion
in an exciting final and Stewart Duguid coming
3rd in the Men’s Epee representing the
organising Stormont Fencing Club.
The expanding nature of this competition was emphasised
by the largest number of entries ever received and
this is hoped to be continued long in to the future
with the support of our sponsors. Dates for the 2008
tournament have been secured and will be announced
shortly – watch this space. (Dates for 2008
- 7th - 8th June 2008)
Disclaimer:
For each competition the organising committee
reserves the right to select the format of the
poules with or without subsequent Direct Elimination
which is best suited to the number of participating
fencers and the time available.
Neither carrickfergus Castle / The Stormont
Fencing Club, Sponsors or the NIFU can be held
responsible for loss or damage to any item belonging
to those attending or spectating at the event.
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