Introduction
Aodhan & Conall McGivern
Aodhan and Conall McGivern are two rising stars of Northern Ireland judo, brothers whose dedication, discipline, and competitive spirit have earned them places on the Northern Ireland Talent Development Squad. Training out of The Judo Academy, both athletes have already made their mark on the national and international stage, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from the NI Pathway system.
Conall, competing in the Junior & Senior -73kg category, has enjoyed a standout competitive run.
Ranked number 6 of the GB ranking lists, he has secured major results including silver at the All Ireland University Championships, silver at the NI Open, and a strong 7th place finish at the Venray International.
His international progress continued with a 7th place at the Amman Asian Open, earning him a coveted world ranking and further establishing him as one of NI’s most promising judoka.
Younger brother Aodhan is following closely in his footsteps.
Representing Northern Ireland in the U81kg category at the British Championships, he delivered an impressive opening win by ippon before bowing out to the eventual bronze medallist.
With two years remaining in his age band, he is already demonstrating the potential for podium finishes in future championships.
Like Conall, Aodhan also achieved a 7th place at the Amman Asian Open, securing his own IJF world ranking—a remarkable milestone for an athlete still early in his competitive journey.
Together, the McGivern brothers embody the ambition and work ethic driving Northern Ireland’s next generation of judoka. Their progression through the Talent Development Pathway reflects not only their individual commitment but also the strength of the coaching and support system around them. Their recent interview offers a unique glimpse into the mindset, motivation, and brotherly bond behind their success—an inspiring story of two athletes pushing each other toward excellence.
About the McGivern Brothers…
- How did you first get started in Judo?
Aodhan:
I first started judo at the age of 5 in my primary school. The judo academy ran classes there, and my brother was already a member, which encouraged me to join.
Conall:
I started Judo in Ballymacricket when I was primary 2 with Stephen (McCluskey) and have stuck at it ever since I began.
- What inspired you to stick with the sport?
Aodhan:
Mostly my older Brother. Seeing how well he was doing always motivated me, and encouraged me to keep training hard
Conall:
I have always had a very competitive mindset and always loved winning. When I started doing judo when I was younger I always wanted to be the best, and once I was a little older I got introduced to the competitive side of Judo which I absolutely love and think that the want and will to be better has helped me continue on this journey that I’m on.
- What has been the highlight of your year so far?
Aodhan:
The highlight of my year so far has been placing 7th at the Amman Asian Open and gaining important world ranking points, which marked a big step forward in my progress.
Conall:
The highlight from the last 12 months was definitely the Asian Open in Amman. This is the event where we became the first 2 Irish/Northern Irish brothers to be word ranked in Judo. This helped motivate us and to push even harder to try and reach even higher heights.
- Who is your favourite Judo player and why?
Aodhan:
Takeshi Takeoka is my favourite judoka because of his technical ability, timing, and creative style. I like how efficient and smart he is in his matches, and I try to learn from the way he fights.
Conall:
My favourite judo player is Nagyama. I think all his fights are very interesting and crazy. His technique is immaculate and he also has crazy explosive throws mixed in with some neat ashi-waza. I think he is one of the most entertaining judo players ever.
- Where do you train now, and what do you enjoy most about your club?
Aodhan:
I train at the Judo Academy in Lisburn, and I really enjoy both the high-quality coaching and the atmosphere. Everyone is hardworking, and it’s always very welcoming to new people.
Conall:
I currently train at the Judo academy based out of Lisburn and my favourite thing about the club is the coaching. When you come into the Judo academy the coaching is top class, what we practice in there is not done just for the sake of it everything is specified to try help us become better judo fighters and I feel this is so important in the journey to becoming a better Judo fighter.
- What school did you go to, and did it influence your sporting journey?
Aodhan:
My primary school, Ballymacrickett, is where I first began my judo journey, so it has played a huge role in my development. My secondary school, De La Salle, has also been very supportive throughout.
Conall:
I went to Ballymacricket primary school and then for secondary school I attended De La Salle in Andersonstown. Going to Ballymacricket was the reason I began judo it’s where it all started without going there I would never have done judo. Going to De La Salle was vital during my secondary school years judo helped me a lot when you are stressed about an upcoming exam or coursework once you stepped on the Judo mat all the problems disappear this is when I started to really love Judo.
- What advice would you give to someone who wants to progress in Judo?
Aodhan:
Your results are a reflection of the way you train. If you want to win, you must train hard and be consistent. Always give it 100%.
Conall:
All I would say is to work really hard and always try to be better. Never get satisfied with what you are you should always try be the best version of yourself.
- What’s one thing Judo has taught you that helps outside the dojo?
Aodhan:
Judo emphasises etiquette and respecting others, which helps me massively on and of the mat.
Conall:
Judo helped teach me that patience and consistent hard work really does pay off, if you are willing to work hard and do what others aren’t willing to do your time will come.
- What goals are you working toward next?
Aodhan:
My goal is to keep pushing myself to grow both as a person and as an athlete, aiming to bring home more medals along the way.
Conall:
My current goal is to be the best judo fighter I can. In 10 years I don’t want to have any regrets so I’m trying my best to be better and continuously get better.
- Any final thoughts or messages for younger Judoka coming up behind you?
Aodhan:
To stick in even on the days when you don’t feel like it. That’s what shapes us as fighters, also to enjoy every step of the journey
Conall:
Just to keep working hard and have patience all good things take time, don’t give up when things are going bad stick in there and continue to work hard.
