The Fermanagh club fielded 18 athletes at the 2026 championships, held at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown, with competitors delivering a series of impressive performances across the underage and senior categories.

Among the standout performers were Naoise McManus, Luca Whittaker, Rachael Hawkes, Tomás Gormley and Darragh Love, who all claimed gold medals to be crowned Irish champions in their respective categories.

McManus continued her excellent recent form in the female under-17 competition, winning all four of her matches despite being moved up a weight category.

The 17-year-old weighed in at 57kg but competed in the 61kg bracket, where she produced a dominant display, recording three pins and a convincing 12-2 victory over a wrestler who is a current Pennsylvania State finalist in the United States.

Her performance followed an impressive fifth-place finish at the under-17 World Beach Championships, further underlining her progress on the international stage.

There was also a gold medal for the club's newest recruit, Rachael Hawkes, who claimed the senior female 76kg title to become Irish senior champion.

Hawkes arrives in wrestling with an impressive sporting pedigree, having won bronze in judo at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Erne Wrestling Club said it was excited to see how she develops in the sport following her latest success.

Another significant achievement came from 18-year-old Luca Whittaker, who won the under-20 74kg title.

Having claimed silver in the under-17 category last year, Whittaker stepped up to the under-20 ranks and went one better, securing gold and the Irish champion title against older opposition.

The senior men's competition produced two further champions for the club, with experienced international wrestlers Tomás Gormley and Darragh Love both finishing top of their respective weight categories.

Gormley delivered a commanding performance in the 70kg division, winning all five of his matches to secure the title.

The seasoned competitor has represented Ireland at several European Championships, and his latest success further strengthens his standing among the country's leading wrestlers.

Love claimed the senior men's 86kg title in one of the largest weight categories at the championships.

A previous European-level competitor, Love was praised by the club for his motivation, resilience and determination, as well as the support he provides to younger athletes coming through the ranks.

His victory was described as a well-deserved reward for his efforts, with the club highlighting his role as both a competitor and a mentor.

Beyond the five gold medals, Erne Wrestling Club collected four silver and four bronze medals across the various age groups.

In the under-15 competition, Cian McGoldrick won bronze at 85kg.

The under-17 squad added two further medals, with Marcus Gormley taking silver at 60kg and Jamie Edgar securing silver at 65kg.

Ruairi Leahy claimed bronze at 71kg, while Tylan Whittaker finished fourth at 65kg and Alex Walker-Leonard placed fifth in the same category.

There was another silver medal in the under-20 ranks for Tiernan Mulholland at 65kg, while Seth Donaghy took silver at 74kg.

Callan Kelly and Reece Edgar also secured bronze medals at 74kg and 79kg respectively.

Carrick Kelly finished sixth at 70kg, with Abdul Hamid Alahmed seventh in the same category.

In the senior men's 70kg division, Dylan Nolan finished sixth alongside Gormley's gold-medal-winning performance.

The club paid tribute to coaches Bruce, Alex and Ewan for their considerable efforts in corner-coaching such a large group of competitors throughout the championships.

With further international competitions planned before the end of the year, the club's attention will now turn to the next stage of the season.

Erne Wrestling Club said it was proud of all its athletes, emphasising that stepping onto the competition stage, particularly at international level, was a significant achievement in itself.

The club continues to grow and has encouraged anyone interested in wrestling to get involved, with new recruits always welcome.