Carlow 12-year-old raising funds to fight for Ireland at Muay Thai World Championship

A 12-year-old that fights out of Carlow Muay Thai has been selected to represent Ireland at the IFMA Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi in September.

The fighter, Saoirse Hogan Balfe, has launched a GoFundMe page to fund the trip and allow them to represent Ireland on the international stage.

They are currently seeking €3,000 to fund the event and are almost at €2,500 (at the time of writing).

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As Muay Thai doesn't receive any funding from Sports Ireland, the athletes have to rely on fundraising to get themselves to the world championships.

The GoFundMe page shares a little bit about Saoirse's story:

"I never thought I would be given this opportunity to compete on an international stage with over 2000 of the best youth Muay Thai fighter from all over the world.

I started training with Carlow Muay Thai when I was 10 years old but was extremely anxious . The coaches worked so hard with me and never gave up. They helped get me to where I can walk out on the world stage

I went to to the amusement arcade and didn’t wear my ear defenders as another part of my training to get prepared for loud noise in the arena.
(If you haven’t guessed yes I have Autism)!"

More information about Saoirse and how you can help to achieve the goal can be found on GoFundMe or by following the link HERE.