Tag: Ireland

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.

29/09/202316/10/2023

Kukri Sports are delighted to announce a 5-year partnership with Cork Constitution FC Rugby Club. Under this partnership, Kukri will provide high-quality sportswear, ensuring that the club’s teams and members are fully equipped to perform at their best, whether on the rugby field or in everyday life. Kukri’s dedication to producing top-tier, innovative sportswear aligns seamlessly with Cork Constitution FC’s commitment to achieving the highest standards of performance.

Based in the Republic of Ireland the club has a proud history that dates back to 1892, making it one of the oldest rugby clubs in Ireland. Over the years they have supplied 9 British and Irish Lions players, coach and managers, with recent internationals and Lions including Donal Lenihan, Donnach O’Callaghan, Ronan O’Gara, Peter O’Mahony and Simon Zebo – Find out more.

Cork Constitution FC President, Mr Pat Twomey, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Kukri Sports into the Cork Constitution FC family. This partnership symbolises our club’s commitment to excellence and innovation, both on and off the rugby field. With Kukri Sports’ exceptional products and our shared values, we look forward to achieving great success together over the next five years.”

Kukri’s Ni & IRL Country Manager, Neil Patterson, also shared his excitement, saying, “Partnering with Cork Constitution FC, a club with such a rich history and passionate following, is an incredible opportunity for Kukri Sports. We are proud to provide the club with the finest sportswear and look forward to outfitting the team as they continue to make their mark in Irish rugby.”

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

14/09/202316/10/2023

On the outskirts of Dublin, there is a school that has woven its legacy into the fabric of the nation’s rugby pride – Blackrock College.

Kukri Sports have been a proud partner of the school for many years, providing bespoke, quality sportswear for staff and students. Through working with their elite partners, including Ulster Rugby and Waikato Rugby, Kukri have developed state of the art product innovations and designs, which have been seamlessly incorporated into their range of school sportswear offerings. This ensures that future sporting talent can develop their abilities armed with garments that match the quality of current sporting icons.

This elite education institution has emerged as a factory of international rugby talent, producing a remarkable number of players who have donned the green jersey and represented Ireland on the global stage. Beyond its academic excellence, this school stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between sport and education, demonstrating how a well-rounded approach can mould sporting legends.

Arguably its most decorated Rugby alumni is a sportsman widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time, Brian O-Driscoll. Born a stone’s throw from Blackrock College, O-Driscoll went on to make an indelible impact on the sport through his remarkable skills, leadership, and longevity on the field.

Winning 133 international caps, was also named captain of the British & Irish Lions, for the 2005 tour of South Africa. He currently holds the record for the most Six Nations tries (26) and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016.

Other Irish international rugby players who graduated from Blackrock College include; Fergus Slattery, who earned 61 caps for his country, including captaining the most successful Irish touring side of all time in 1979, which won 7 of 8 matches in Australia.

Other significant Irish rugby alumni include;

Victor Costello, who earned 39 Irish caps and was a member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup team. Hugo McNeill, who earned 37 caps and played at the 197 Rugby World Cup, scoring 4 tries in 4 matches.
Luke Fitzgerald, who earned 34 caps and won the 2009 Six Nations championships.
Leo Cullen, who earned 32 caps for his country.

Nurturing young talents into international stars requires more than just raw talent; it demands a nurturing environment that fosters growth on multiple fronts. This school’s approach goes beyond honing athletic prowess; it embraces holistic development, recognizing that character, discipline, and determination are the cornerstones of success in both sports and life.

One might assume that such a rugby-centric focus could overshadow academic pursuits. However, the school’s commitment to academic excellence remains unswerving. Striking a balance between rigorous classroom education and intensive rugby training is a hallmark of their approach. This not only nurtures bright minds but also underscores the importance of time management, a skill that proves invaluable when juggling the demands of studies and sports at higher levels.

The impact of this school resonates far beyond its campus. It serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country, a reminder that dreams of international glory are attainable with dedication and hard work. The success stories that emerge from these hallowed grounds reinforce the belief that Ireland’s rugby heritage is alive and well, being skilfully passed down through generations.

As the rugby world evolves, this school remains a constant – an institution that continues to shape the trajectory of Irish rugby. It stands as a living tribute to the interplay between passion and purpose, where young talents are nurtured into stars not just for their skill but for their character and resilience. In a world where sports icons are often revered as heroes, this school reminds us that true legends are not just made on the pitch; they are cultivated through education, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

Other significant alumni of the school away from Rugby Include:

• Alan Lee – Irish international football player
• Cian O-Sullivan – Title winning Gaelic football player
• Michael Darragh McAuley – Another ward winning Gaelic football star
• Bob Geldof – Singer/ songwriter and the driving force behind Band Aid/ Live Aid
• Bian O’Nolan – Novelist, playwright and satirist
• Paul Costelloe – Fashion designer and artist
• Michael McGlynn – Composer, producer and director

Find out more about Blackrock College