Fencing is a sport that can be continued throughout life, what may be lost in agility and speed can often be made up in experience and cunning.

Veterans’ events are open to any fencer over the age of 40, and the veterans section is thriving at all levels.

The European Veterans Fencing Committee (EVFC)  was set up in 1991 to promote participation by older fencers, and to give them a wider range of competitive opportunities.

Fencing Ireland Veterans Committee

Fencing Ireland established a Veterans Committee in March 2008 to lead the co-ordination of fencing events for veterans. Our veterans’ committee is affiliated to the EVFC and aims to promote participation at domestic and overseas events from fencers over 40years

Current Committee Members

• • Chair - Annemarie Sullivan
  • Secretary - Dawid Kulka
  • Committee - Fiona Haldane, Anna-Lise Mion, Claire Murray, Nuala McGarrity, Patrick Dight, Michael Ryan

Meet some of our Committee:

Annemarie Sullivan (Chair)

Annemarie discovered fencing as an adult and is now proudly part of the veteran fencing community. With five years of service on the Fencing Ireland Board, including a year as Company Secretary, she’s passionate about growing the sport. As the Chair of both the Women in Fencing and Veterans' Committees, Annemarie is dedicated to organizing projects and events, supporting competitions, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive fencing community.

If you have suggestions or questions? Feel free to reach out to her at: asullivan@fencingireland.net

Dawid Kulka (Secretary)

Dawid Kulka started fencing Epee in Primary school in 1989. He attended Prof. Zbigniew Czajkowski's fencing club and was a finalist in the Youth Olympics in Poland. He was also Team Junior Champion and represented Poland Internationally for many years. After taking a break from fencing, it was only after he moved to Ireland in 2005 that he decided to take up fencing again. Upon receiving his Irish citizenship Dawid began to successfully represent Ireland at International level. Dawid fences in domestic competitions and international events and is top of the senior rankings for Epee in Ireland. Since Dawid reached the ‘’experienced’’ level of age, he started fencing in Veterans events across Europe; and has many podium results, and is ranked at the top end in his category for Epee in Europe.

Dawid, was delighted to take up the role of Secretary on Fencing Ireland's Veterans Committee and is excited to share his wide variety of knowledge and offer International advice when needed. Please do not hesitate to contact him if you have any queries.

Claire Murray ( Committee Member)

I started fencing when I was 11 years old at Victoria College Belfast with the late Bill Cumming.  Foil was my chosen weapon back then and I competed for N.I. at School, Cadet and Senior level for many years. After a very long extended break through life’s ups and downs, I started back to fencing in 2022 and I have to say my passion and love for the sport has been fully reignited!

I made the decision to change to Epee and I currently fence at Stormont Fencing Club Belfast and Queens University Belfast (still trying to keep up with the young ones!) Over the last couple of years Veteran Fencing has given me the opportunity to travel to amazing places in the world and make wonderful friends.

I currently represent Ireland at Veteran Level and Northern Ireland at Senior Level. I look forward to helping Fencing Ireland Veterans to continue to light up the map. If you need anything please do not hesitate to get in touch - rockyreid18@googlemail.com

Fiona Haldane ( Committee Member) 

I started fencing as an adult, after leaving university, in 1973. Women were only allowed to fence foil in those days! I quickly decided that this was the perfect, stress-busting exercise for me as a busy biology teacher with two small children. I ‘retired’ twice, but I missed it (and the friendship and camaraderie) so much that I came back and fenced in competitions all over Ireland and Great Britain. I fenced foil on the N.Ireland Senior team and for Ireland at the World Championships in Barcelona in 1985.

Then in 2000 a friend who had moved to Yorkshire suggested that I join the British Veterans so that we could meet up again and go to competitions. I was persuaded to do Epee, bought a new kit, and wondered if I would get my money’s worth out of it – I certainly think I have! I discovered a whole new world of highly competitive but very friendly events, including European and World Championships. I have fenced in France, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Belgium, Switzerland, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, traveling to places that I would not have been to otherwise and making friends with people who I would not have met otherwise. It has quite simply enriched my life and I am so grateful to all who have made it possible.

It has been wonderful to be a part of the expansion of Veterans' Fencing in Ireland – join us!

Patrick Dight ( Committee Member)

Patrick Dight started fencing in 1985 and never stopped. He has represented Ireland in Foil and Sabre at Senior and Veteran competitions and has been known to pick up an Epee on occasion too. He has fenced in Dublin and Limerick over the years and now lives in Nenagh where he coaches at Munster Blades Fencing Club (all welcome 7pm Fridays at St Mary's Secondary School).  Patrick teaches Transition Year fencing courses in Secondary Schools so if you are a TY coordinator please get in touch!