Sligo County Council hosted a Civic Reception at County Hall on Wednesday, 25th February, to honour two outstanding young athletes — Taekwon Do World Champion Amelia Rybicki and All Ireland Minor Hardball Singles Champion Travis Gibbons.
Civic Reception Honours Achievements of Amelia Rybicki and Travis Gibbons
The event, attended by family members, coaches, club representatives and elected members Cllrs Bree, Casserly, Clarke, Gibbons, Higgins, Mcsharry, Nealon, O’Boyle, Walsh, and Chief Executive Martin Lydon recognised their exceptional achievements and the immense pride they have brought to their clubs, their communities, and to County Sligo.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy paid tribute to both athletes, commending their talent, dedication and commitment to excellence.
In his address, Cathaoirleach Cllr Gilroy highlighted Amelia’s remarkable rise within the sport of Taekwon‑Do, noting that her achievements have “placed Sligo firmly on the international Taekwondo stage.”
Amelia, who began training at Sligo Taekwondo Club at just six years of age, was honoured for her extraordinary achievement in becoming World Champion in Junior Team Power Breaking — a feat achieved through relentless discipline, determination and courage.
Her journey from early national success in 2019 to her significant milestone of earning a black belt in December 2023 — one of only two ever attained at her club — was warmly acknowledged. The Cathaoirleach also recognised her versatility across multiple disciplines, including bronze in patterns, silver in sparring and gold in power breaking at the 2024 Irish Nationals.
Amelia’s selection as the first-ever Sligo athlete to represent Team Ireland in Junior Female Power Breaking marked a historic moment for both her club and the county.
She is now preparing for the 2026 European Championships in Slovenia, with the Cathaoirleach expressing full confidence that she will continue to represent Sligo and Ireland with distinction.
The achievements of Travis Gibbons, representing Collooney Handball Club, were also celebrated. Travis recently claimed the All‑Ireland Minor Hardball Singles title at GAA Handball Headquarters — a significant accomplishment in the most traditional and historic code of Irish handball.
At just 17, Travis demonstrated exceptional maturity, resilience and skill to secure this prestigious title, making it only the second All‑Ireland minor title achieved by a Sligo handballer this decade.
The Cathaoirleach highlighted Travis’s impressive record of success across one-wall, four-wall, softball and hardball, including Connaught championships, national medals, Community Games titles, an Inis Mór championship, and strong performances on the Euro pro tour and world stage. His recent runner-up finish in the All-Ireland minor doubles was also acknowledged, as well as his upcoming All-Ireland four-wall semi-final.
“You have honoured a proud tradition while breathing new life into the hardball game,” the Cathaoirleach said. “Your achievements will be remembered in the sporting history of Sligo.”
Both athletes were commended not only for their achievements, but for the inspiration they provide to younger sportspeople across the county.
The Cathaoirleach expressed gratitude to Sligo Taekwondo Club, Collooney Handball Club, and to the families of both athletes for their unwavering support, encouragement and commitment in helping Amelia and Travis reach such exceptional heights.
“On behalf of Sligo County Council,” he concluded, “we offer our heartfelt congratulations. We look forward to your future successes, and we assure you that Sligo is firmly behind you as you continue your sporting journeys.”
