Tag: Ireland

10/10/202410/10/2024

Kukri Sports is delighted to congratulate its long-standing partner, Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI), on their record-breaking year of sporting achievements.

As a proud partner, Kukri collaborates with RBAI to create bespoke sportswear designs, ensuring that RBAI students can perform at their peak levels.

Rugby dominance

RBAI’s rugby teams had an outstanding season, defeating Ballymena Academy to secure back-to-back Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup and claim RBAI’s 34^th outright schools’ cup.

A great display saw the team claim back-to-back Medallion Shield titles, winning their 37^th medallion shield and surpassing Methodist College Belfast to become the most successful school in the competition. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the teams’ spirit, determination and hunger.

Hockey triumph

The school’s triumphs continued with RBAI’s hockey club being crowned champions of the John Minnis Burney Cup with a deserved 2-1 win over Banbridge Academy, ending a 20 year wait in front of a packed crowd.

In the McCullough Cup, the first XI finished joint top in the league stage after winning six of their seven league matches.

Cricket teams’ dominance

In Cricket, RBAI 1^st XI triumphed to win a record 13^th Ulster Schools’ Cup after a dominant 126 run victory. against Ballyclare High. The team also continued their dominance by winning the McCullough Cup for the 10th time in 11 years.

RBAI’s cricket talent shone across all age levels, with other achievements including:

• 2^nd XI – Winners of the Duke of Abercorn Cup
• U15 XI – Winners of Ulster Schools’ Plate
• U14 XI – Winners of Derriaghy Cup
• U13A – Winners of Mourne Cup
• U12 XI – Winners of Centenary Cup

Commenting on the school’s achievements and the partnership, a spokesperson from Royal Belfast Academical Institution, said “RBAI’s partnership with Kukri Sports continues to go from strength so strength. Their sportswear has been a consistent and reliable part of our teams’ success across multiple sports, including rugby, hockey and cricket.

“The quality of kit, combined with their commitment to understanding our specific needs, has been instrumental in helping our athletes to perform at their best.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership and breaking more records on the pitch.”

Neil Patterson, Country Manager for N.I. and R.OI., said “We are very proud to be a part of RBAI’s remarkable journey and success across multiple sports this year.

Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication of their students and staff, and it’s an honour to support them with sportswear that reflects their heritage and fuels their performances.”

Kukri’s broader presence in Ireland

Kukri has established itself as the leading sportswear supplier in the education sector across Ireland, partnering with numerous schools and universities to provide custom-designed sportswear tailored to the needs of developing athletes.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SUPPORT IN IRELAND < https://www.kukrisports.com/uk/news/kukri-sports-in-ireland/ >

As RBAI continues to build on its strong sporting legacy, Kukri remains committed to supporting the school in its future endeavours, helping their athletes continue to push boundaries and set new records.

About RBAI

Royal Belfast Academical Institution is one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious schools, known for its rich tradition of excellence in both academics and sport.

The school has a long-standing reputation for producing elite athletes across rugby, hockey and cricket, instilling values of teamwork, resilience and commitment.

Are you looking to upgrade your sportswear and unleash your greatness? Whatever your sport, we’ve got you covered.

25/06/202417/06/2024

Ahead of his highly-anticipated next fight against River Wilson-Bent, Kukri Sports caught up with boxing ambassador Kieran Molloy to delve into his training camp, maintaining his unbeaten streak and the importance of mental toughness.

Exciting boxing star and Kukri Sports ambassador, Kieran Molloy, continues to impress on the professional stage.

In April, Molloy extended his impressive unbeaten record to eight fights with a hard-fought victory against Mexican opponent Sergio Garcia Herrera on the ‘Coming of Age’ card in Rotherham.

Despite facing adversity for the first time in his professional career, Molloy showed remarkable resilience and determination to secure a narrow 76-75 points win.

Kieran is next in action in GBM’s Into the Fire in an action-packed night of boxing, starring in a welterweight contest against River Wilson-Bent on Saturday 29 June at Coventry’s Sky Dome Arena.

With his focus now firmly set on his next bout, the 25-year-old Irish fighter emphasises the importance of meticulous preparation in his success so far. “We train extremely hard to get into & stay in good shape all year round at Loughborough University.

“My confidence comes from preparation. If I know I’ve given everything and haven’t cut any corners, I’ll be mentally in a good place when it’s time to compete.”

Molloy also sheds light on his rigorous training schedule and the invaluable support network pushing him in the right direction.

“I’ve been fortunate to spar with former world champion David Avanesyan ahead of my fight,” he reveals. “Avanyesyan is also training for his own world title shot next month, so it’s been a fantastic learning experience for me.”

Describing a typical training week, Molloy details a blend of technical work, strength and conditioning, and strategic sparring sessions. “On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays they have been heavy sparring days, followed by interval sprints in the afternoon. Tuesday and Thursday tend to be more technical work in the mornings, followed by weights and conditioning in the afternoon.

“Diet and nutrition are obviously very important. I work with a fantastic nutritionist, Max Haskell, who has been helping me with my meal plans for training camps.”

Looking ahead to his upcoming fight, Molloy expresses his desire to showcase his full repertoire of skills. “I’d like to show a bit more of my boxing ability and when the openings come to let my hands go, I’ll take them.”

Everyone at Kukri wishes Kieran the best of luck ahead of his next fight on Saturday 29 June.

Follow the fight

Don’t miss out, watch Kieran’s fight live on GBM Sports’ YouTube channel, or alternatively purchase tickets by contacting @kieran_molloy_tickets on Instagram.

About Kieran Molloy

Molloy’s dedication and work ethic are rooted in his impressive amateur career.  Before turning professional, the Irish fighter amassed a remarkable record of 202 wins in 221 fights. This includes an impressive collection of accolades: 11x National Champion, 3x Irish Elite Champion, and an EU Bronze medallist.

Find out more about Kieran Molloy.

Browse the Kieran Molloy merchandise range.

Interested in becoming an ambassador?

03/04/202427/03/2024

Kukri Sports are thrilled to announce an extension to its successful partnership with Northern Ireland Volleyball, the National Governing Body for the sport. The renewed collaboration reinforces Kukri’s unwavering commitment to the development and growth of the sport across the region.

Northern Ireland Volleyball plays a pivotal role in nurturing the sport, from grassroots level to elite competition. Through the extended partnership Kukri will continue to provide playing kit and leisurewear for the Northern Ireland squads, to look the part both on and off the court.

“At Kukri Sports we are deeply passionate about supporting athletes and sports communities,” said Neil Patterson, Country Manager for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at Kukri Sports. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Northern Ireland Volleyball, an institution that shares our commitment to fostering talent, promoting inclusivity and driving excellence in the sport. Together, we will continue to elevate the sport and empower athletes across Northern Ireland.”

The partnership extension will see Kukri Sports working closely with Northern Ireland Volleyball to provide customized teamwear, training gear, and equipment solutions tailored to the specific needs of volleyball players and clubs throughout the region. By leveraging Kukri Sports’ expertise in sports apparel and equipment, Northern Ireland Volleyball aims to enhance the quality of resources available to its members and further advance the sport’s development.

Johnny McClenaghan, Treasurer NI Volleyball commented, “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Kukri Sports. As we continue to develop our offering to our players, coaches and referees, the support and professionalism from Kukri has been second to none. The quality of the apparel and the timeliness deliveries has made a huge difference to how our squads operate and the online store has taken away a major headache from our team managers. We hope to continue to grow this partnership long into the future as we continue to grow the sport here in Northern Ireland.”

This partnership signifies a fusion of innovation and tradition on the volleyball court, aiming to enhance the overall sporting experience for Northern Ireland Volleyball players and fans alike. For more information on Northern Ireland Volleyball, please visit www.nivolleyball.com.  

If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports or have inquiries regarding your kit requirements, feel free to Get In Touch.

29/02/202426/02/2024

Kukri Sports have been the official kit and merchandise supplier for Pegasus Hockey Club for 20 years, providing custom-designed uniforms, training wear and other essentials tailored to the specific needs of the clubs’ players, coaches and management.

For two-decades, over 5,000 kits have been meticulously crafted for peak performance and have inspired countless players on the pitch, some of which have gone on to triumph at international level. These kits have witnessed over 500 matches across various age levels, facilitating the performance of several teams from the first senior team to the juniors’ team.

As a proud partner, Kukri works closely with Pegasus Hockey Club to ensure that their sportswear meet the highest standards of quality and durability, enabling the players to excel on the pitch.

Developing international stars

Pegasus Hockey Club boasts a rich history as one of Northern Ireland’s most successful hockey clubs, consistently achieving success both domestically and internationally. With an impressive track record including multiple Irish Senior Cup and Irish Senior League victories, as well as triumphs in the EuroHockey Club Trophy, Pegasus Hockey Club stands as a symbol of excellence in the sport.

The club’s success extends beyond the field, with numerous players earning accolades at both national and international levels.

Among these players is Shirley McCay, Ireland’s most capped former international hockey player who represented her country at the Tokyo Olympics.

McCay, who recently received her MBE for her contributions to the sport, emphasised the pivotal role Kukri has played in the club’s journey.

“Our kit has been a massive part of our journey, the club itself is steeped in success and has had so much glory over the last two decades, and part of that has been down to how our kit looks and the comfort we get from it when playing which comes in tandem.

“The 20-year partnership with Kukri has been pretty special and long may it continue.”

Also commenting on the partnership, Michelle Rainey, Chair Person at Pegasus Hockey Club, said “It’s created a brand for the club. The kit identifies everybody and allows us all to feel aligned and connected, from the juniors all the way up to the 1s. The distinctive red kit is what we use in our narrative for team talks on game days, so it helps to bring that inclusion into things which is really important.

Commenting on the partnership, Colin Roden, Northern Ireland Sales Manager at Kukri Sports said “We are very proud to celebrate two decades of partnership with Pegasus Hockey Club. This milestone is a testament to our shared values of excellence, innovation and commitment to the sport of hockey.

“It’s crucial for us to nurture the strong connections we’ve cultivated over the last two decades. Our commitment lies in maintaining a local presence, enabling us to swiftly attend meetings and readily offer samples, further solidifying our bond with partners and clients alike.”

More than a sportswear provider

Kukri remains dedicated to providing the highest quality sportswear for Pegasus Hockey Club, ensuring designs enhance the team’s unique identity and traditions.

The two organisations will continue to strive in driving innovation, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring the next generation of hockey players.

Find out more about our partners.

About Pegasus Hockey Club

Established in 1961, Pegasus Hockey Club has remained a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s hockey community, offering players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Find out more about Pegasus Hockey Club.

21/02/202420/02/2024

In the heart of Ireland’s vibrant sports culture, Kukri Sports stands as more than a sportswear provider; committed to elevating the game from grassroots to elite level by bringing athletes together and creating lifelong memories on and off the field. It’s this passion that fuels our dedication to supporting Irish sports at every level, from grassroots to national competitors.

At Kukri, our commitment extends across multiple sectors in Ireland, from schools and universities to grass roots, professional clubs and National Governing Bodies. The passion of Rugby, finesse of Netball and grace of Hockey resonate with us, driving our commitment to support these sports at every level.

Education plays a vital role in nurturing future athletes, and we provide elite sportswear and equipment to schools and colleges, enabling young talents to thrive and reach their full potential. Among these schools is Blackrock College, one of Kukri’s long-standing partners, who have woven their legacy into the fabric of the nation’s Rugby pride, as well as our other partner schools such as Bandon Grammar, St. Gerards, Alexandra College, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Royal School Amargh and Wallace High School.

Find out more about Blackrock College.

With a focus on grassroots development, Kukri Sports actively collaborates with organisations, clubs, and teams to create opportunities for aspiring players. By offering custom-made kits, we aim to empower grassroots initiatives and strengthen the foundation of Irish sports.

In addition to our support at grass roots level, Kukri is also proud to be associated with esteemed professional partners in Ireland. Notably, our partnerships with Netball Northern Ireland, Pegasus Hockey Club and Ulster Rugby demonstrate our shared passion for these sports, further solidifying our commitment to the Irish sporting landscape.

Click here to find out more about our partners.

“At Kukri, we understand the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines Irish sports. Our commitment is to offer cutting-edge sportswear that not only meets the high performing standards of athletes at all levels, but also resonates with the rich sporting heritage in Ireland.

“We’re excited to continue to contribute to the success stories of athletes across various sports and play our part in elevating the standard of sports in Ireland.” – Neil Patterson, Country Manager for Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland, Kukri Sports.

With our deep understanding of the unique requirements of each sport, we strive to provide tailored solutions that enhance your performance and comfort.

Whether you’re at the grassroots level, representing an educational institution, or part of a professional club, Kukri is here to enhance your sporting experience and help you reach your sporting goals.

For more information on how we can support your journey, get in touch.

02/02/202402/02/2024

Kukri Sports are delighted to announce our new 3-year partnership with Pickleball Ireland, solidifying our commitment to the rapidly growing sport. As part of this collaboration Kukri will be providing all on and off court sportswear for the Pickleball Ireland teams, across various levels.

“We are very pleased to announce that our Title sponsor for the Pickleball Ireland Irish National Championships is Kukri Sports who are a global sportswear provider and multi-sports specialists across many elite sports. We thank Kukri very much for the partnership and look forward very much to working with them.

 This is a very important relationship to us as we continue to develop and promote pickleball throughout the whole of Ireland.” John Fitzpatrick, Board Chair, Pickleball Ireland.

“Kukri are delighted to be partnering with Pickleball Ireland for the next 3 years. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and Ireland and a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. We look forward to supporting Pickleball Ireland events and the grassroot pickleball clubs across Ireland over the next 3 years.” Neil Patterson, Kukri Sports Country Manager Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball, a dynamic sport combining elements from badminton, tennis, and table tennis, can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors on a court akin to badminton with a modified tennis net. Two to four players, armed with robust paddles made from wood or composite materials, aim to strike a perforated polymer ball over the net.

Who are Pickleball Ireland?

Pickleball was introduced to Ireland back in 2016 and in 2022 Pickleball Ireland was set up as a not for profit legal entity which now serves as the national governing body for the sport, dedicated to promoting it locally and globally. Associated teams actively participate and compete at regional, national, and international levels – Find out more

Kukri Pickleball Ireland National Championships

Kukri Sports is proud to be a key supporter of the inaugural Kukri Pickleball Ireland National Championships, scheduled for April 6-7, 2024, at Lagan Valley Leisureplex in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. The event will witness teams at all skill levels vying for the esteemed title of official national champions – Find out more about the event

If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports or want to know how we can help – Get in touch.

07/11/202307/11/2023

Irish professional boxer and Kukri Sports’ ambassador, Kieran Molloy, marked his U.S. debut in style with a stunning round 1 technical knockout victory.

On a memorable night for Molloy’s camp, the exciting prospect pushed his slate to 7-0 as a professional in Boston when he stopped opponent, Daniel Sostre, in the first round.

Molloy, an Irish professional boxer who continues to impress, rose to prominence in the amateur scene with 202 wins in 221 fights, which included 11x National Champion, 3x Irish Elite Champion and an EU Bronze medallist, as well as a Youth European and World medallist, all by the age of 23.

Reflecting on a special night, Molloy expressed his gratitude, saying, “I felt right at home. The support was fantastic, and to top it off with a first-round technical knockout as well was the icing on the cake.

“Kukri made a very special kit for the fight that showed the Irish & American flag, which everyone loved. The support was incredible, and I think we can continue to make big moves on the east coast moving forward.”

Molloy, who has been boxing since he was 5 years old, joined Kukri as an ambassador in March 2022 and remains confident on achieving his ultimate goal.

“It’s nice to feel that all the hard work has paid off with quick victories like that. These nights are all stepping stones towards the ultimate goal of becoming world champion.

“Kukri have been incredibly helpful for providing me with high-quality training gear during camp and also tracksuits for myself and my team during fight week. It always feels nice to have my team wearing gear that looks professional.”

Reflecting on the preparations ahead of his bout, Molloy heaped the praise on the work of his coach. “My coach Angel Fernandez always has a great structure in training for myself to focus on the game plan, and also the mental/conditioning side so that we’re ready for whatever may come in fights.”

“The game plan was to go hard to the body first to break him down. After I landed about two hard blows clean, I could see in his eyes that he didn’t want to be there, so I upped the tempo that eventually overwhelmed him and he could not continue after two knockdowns.”

Looking ahead to an exciting future, Molloy revealed all on his plans over the coming months.

“I’ll be fighting in my home city on 1 December in Salthill for the Irish welterweight title. This will hopefully be my first title as a professional boxer, official announcement and opponent will all be revealed soon.”

Kukri would like to congratulate Kieran Molloy on his impressive win and look forward to supporting him throughout his career in the world of boxing.

As a leading sportswear supplier, we remain dedicated to supporting athletes in their pursuit of greatness, and we are proud to stand by Kieran as he continues his incredible journey.

Click here to find out more about Kieran.

Follow Kieran on social media:

Instagram – @kieranmolloy12

Facebook – @Kieran Molloy

Twitter – @kieranmolloy8

19/10/202319/10/2023

As part of our ongoing campaign on highlighting our global presence in rugby, we are proud to highlight our long-standing partnership with Ulster Rugby, one of the most historical and successful provincial rugby union teams in Ireland.

Kukri has been Ulster’s official kit, training and leisurewear supplier for 15 years. We also provide the kit for the club’s Academy, age-grade and representative teams, as well as coaches, referees and staff across the province of Ulster.

Ulster’s new home and alternate kits are now available ahead of the new season, click here to view more and browse their training & leisurewear range.

Ulster became the first Irish team and the first team outside of England & France to win the European Cup in 1999, topping their group with four wins from six games, before defeating Toulouse, Stade Francais and later Colomiers in the final to lift the prestigious trophy.

Prior to becoming a professional team, Ulster were a representative amateur team taking part in the IRFU Interprovincial Championship. They won the tournament 26 times in total, with their greatest period of success being between 1980-1990s where they won ten titles in a row, before being declared as a professional team in 1995 after the rugby union was declared to open professionalism.

Ulster’s success has continued over recent years under the guidance of coach Dan McFarland, who was appointed at the beginning of the 2018-19 season. They reached the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship in the 2021-22 season, however narrowly missed out on the final after losing to Stormers in Cape Town.

The Ulstermen also reached the quarter-final of the URC last season, becoming the first team in the competition to win all four league games against South African opposition in the process.

Click here to find out more about Ulster Rugby.

Commenting on the long-standing and successful partnership, Jonny Petrie, Chief Executive Officer at Ulster Rugby, said “”Kukri Sports are one of our longest serving partners at Ulster Rugby, since first becoming the club’s official kit supplier back in 2008. Over that period, they have supplied not just the playing kit and leisure wear for our men’s and women’s senior teams, but also the Ulster Academy, age-grade and representative teams, as well as coaches, referees and staff.

“Kukri have always been a proactive partner, working closely with us to develop bespoke ranges to ensure our teams look and feel their best while playing, training or travelling. With a large portfolio of rugby clubs, Kukri have a great understanding of the market and requirements, as well as the expertise to deliver a wide range of high-quality products.

“We have already launched our new home and alternate playing kits and we look forward to seeing the men’s senior team wear them in action when the new season begins in the coming weeks.”

We are proud to be partnered with Ulster Rugby and wish their teams the best of luck ahead of the new season.

Click here to find out more about our other rugby partners.