Moyross kickboxer Chloe Keogh Strikes Gold to Become Irish K1 Champion

Moyross is celebrating another sporting success after 20-year-old kickboxer Chloe Keogh was crowned World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Irish K1 63kg Champion. Pictured above with Richard Lynch and her aunt and uncle.

WE DID IT!’ — Chloe Keogh Brings Another Championship Title Home to Limerick

Moyross is celebrating another sporting success after 20-year-old kickboxer Chloe Keogh was crowned World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Irish K1 63kg Champion.

Chloe secured the prestigious title at a major event in Waterford on Saturday, August 8th, before returning home to Limerick to celebrate her achievement with her family and friends.

The latest victory adds another championship belt to Chloe’s impressive collection, with the young fighter also currently holding the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) K1 title.

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For Chloe, the road to championship success began at just 15 years of age when she was attending St Nessan’s Secondary School and Paul O’Brien from Learning Hub Limerick, visited to do a martial arts demonstration.

The Learning Hub in Kileely, offers informal education works in partnership with parents, education providers, statutory agencies and the wider Limerick community to provide a safe, welcoming and inspiring learning environment where young people can reach their true potential.

Initially too embarrassed to attend training alone, Chloe went along with friends — and what began as a nervous first step quickly developed into a passion for martial arts.

She has never missed a class since.

Chloe continues to train under Paul O’Brien at Learning Hub Limerick. O’Brien trained under the late PJ Bennis, a hugely respected and influential figure in Limerick’s martial arts community.

Following her latest success, Chloe paid a heartfelt tribute to her coach, saying she could not thank him enough for his belief, dedication and support.

“The amount of hard work, sacrifice, sweat, tears and dedication that goes into getting to a moment like this is something people don’t always see,” Chloe said.

“But standing here with this belt makes every bit of it worth it.”

She said her coach had put countless hours into preparing her for the championship and had continually pushed her to reach her potential.

“I genuinely wouldn’t be standing here without you,” she said. “I’m forever grateful.”

Chloe also praised event promoter Sean Barrett for putting on a brilliant event and for his support throughout the competition.

The Moyross fighter was equally quick to show respect to her opponent, Amy Foley, acknowledging the toughness and commitment required from both fighters to step into the ring.

“It takes two fighters to step into that ring and put everything on the line, and she gave me a great fight,” Chloe said.

Away from the ring, Chloe said her family, friends and supporters had played a huge role in her journey.

“The encouragement, the messages, the people who came to watch and everyone who has backed me throughout this journey means more than I could ever put into words,” she said.

She also thanked everyone who had sent messages, wished her luck and supported her throughout her campaign.

For a young fighter who first nervously walked into a martial arts class at the age of 15, Chloe has come a very long way.

Now, with another major championship title around her waist, the Moyross fighter has made it clear that she is not finished yet.

“This one means so much. WE DID IT! And more to come!”

Congratulations Chloe! Limerick is proud of you!