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Nathalia Melo Seminar Interviews
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John Martini 9 Weeks out from Mr.Universe 2013
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Gerard Masterson & Damian Sobczyk 7 Weeks out from RIBBF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013
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Lainey Keogh 7 Weeks out from RIBBF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013
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Road to The Arnold Classic 2013:Daniel Agbor & Steven Cox
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NABBA Mr.Ireland 2013 Wrap Up with Craig Clifford- Team Irishmuscle
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NABBA 6/10/13
So it’s that time of year again, its October, its getting a little colder and the leaves are dropping as fast as the bodybuilders carbs during prep. Early October can only mean 1 thing for all bodybuilders……..yes its NABBA time in the Olympia Theatre in Dublin.
For the Irishmuscle team it’s all hands on deck, photographer’s cameras, SD cards, HD video recorders, microphones, lighting and all the paraphernalia to make for a successful day. We are one of the first people to arrive to get all this set up and ready for prejudging which happily was bumped forward 30 minutes to accommodate the massive 126 competitors.
Prejudging:
As the first timers get the ball rolling with comparisons and individual routines I can’t help but notice the huge audience especially for prejudging. They are closely followed by the juniors, masters, novices, athletic men.
Then it was the females turn to take to the stage starting with the bikini category followed by toned figure and then trained figure.
Then we finished up prejudging with the men’s class 1, 2 and 3.
There was a 2 hour interlude before the finals.
The Irishmuscle crew uploaded the prejudging pictures to www.irishmuscle.ie so all the fans who couldn’t make it could see the friends, relatives on stage.
Finals:
A now full Olympia theatre was seated and eagerly awaiting the curtain to lift. As Metallica Enter Sandman blared out through the speakers, the curtain rose to unveil the first timers on stage and the crowd was brought to its feet in appreciation for the great job Paul Byrne and the rest of the NABBA crew had created.
So the show was underway and the top 6 in all categories will only be called out for comparisons and individual routines which is a good idea when there are 126 competitors.
The first timers was won by Mateusz Krowka
Next up was the turn of the Juniors where Dominik Vilagi from Tralee took home the first place trophy and will go to represent us in the Mr.Universe in Southport England the following Saturday. The quality of the juniors was seriously impressive and the future of Irish bodybuilding is safe in the hands of these guys.
Cork man and all around nice guy Big Jim Benskin walked away with first place in the masters over 40s and will go to the Universe too.
The novices were next to grace the stage where Daire Smith lifted the first place trophy and was pushed all the way by Thomas Loonam and Larry Doyle. This was a very stacked line up.
The men’s athletic category was won by Declan Cleare and our imaginary hats are tipped to him as he competed the day before also winning his category and overall in the NBFI show in Cork. This class is based on the classic look of bodybuilders of old with a small waist, wide shoulders and crisp condition come to the forefront for these guys.
Time for the ladies now and in a Stacked bikini class of over 20 women Donna Brennan came home in first followed very closely by Phoebe Mcvey and Ellis Naumanis. This is without doubt the fastest growing category in any of the bodybuilding federations.
As the hours are passing us by it time for the toned figure, Juliga takes home first place.
Trained figure was won by the ever present Sophia McNamara. I can’t remember the last time I seen Sophia lose a show and I have followed Irish bodybuilding for many years now. Although she did deserve her win she was pushed all the way by 5 other girls. I for one are glad to see this getting more competitive and Sophia will no doubt do us all proud in the Universe show.
Off we go now to the Men’s class 1 where Jamie Conway fought his way to the top of a very big pile of muscle.
Class 2 went to Tomas Svernenka where he pipped Robbie Murphy and Przemek Komka and last year’s winner Dan o Brien.
Class 3 was won by Dean Hoban 
The overall was all the winners against each other and Dean Hoban gets the sword and rock for 2013 and deservedly so, he had the most balanced physique up there and judges made the right call.
Dean has a very good shot of taking home silverware from the Mr. Universe.
To top off the night one of the competitors proposed to his girlfriend on stage and gladly she said yes which brought everyone to their feet for a standing ovation.
As the clock struck 11pm it was time to wrap up the NABBA national for another year. Hope fully I will be writing your name next year so get the head down, focus, eat well and train insane.
For all the interviews with our first, second and third place winners please go to http://irishmuscle.ie/nabba-mr-ireland-2013-interviews/ and stay tuned for the latest and best coverage of all the Bodybuilding shows.
Until next time,
Craig Clifford – Team Irishmuscle
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NABBA MR.IRELAND 2013:VIDEO COVERAGE
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Fitness Extravaganza 2013: Interviews
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Fitness female (gymnastic)
Orla Hopkins-Plant 1st
Junior fitness
Adam Kocun 2nd
Fitness male short
Declan Cleare 1st.
Howard Origan 2nd.
Shane Marry 3rd.
Junior athletic male
Shane Cullen 1st.
Stephen fennelly 2nd
Athletic short
Jp vaugh 1st
Masters female
Dara Kelly 1st.
Bikini short
Phoebe Dunne 1st.
Sarah Dunne 2nd
Bridget Byrne 3rd
Bikini tall
Dana poloniova 3rd
Figure short
Agata borkovska 1st
Figure tall
Asta garliavskaite 2nd
Fitness short
Erin mcgregor 1st
Fitness tall
Natasha callaghan 1st
Claire fisher 2nd
Sandy lally 3rd
Bodybuilding Open Class
Joseph Podolsky 1st
Jaroslav Almasi 2nd
German Rodriquez 3rd.
Over all ladies
Bikini short : Phoebe Mc vey
Over all men
Junior athletic: Shane cullen
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FITNESS EXTRAVAGANZA:VIDEO COVERAGE
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RIBBF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013: INTERVIEWS
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2013 RIBBF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Wrap Up with Craig Clifford- Team IrishMuscle
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RIBBF National Championships 2013’
Yay it’s the October long weekend and for 99.9% of the general public its dressing up for Halloween and getting wasted but for the other .1% of us its game time and we will get Whey-sted too J October bank holiday means the RIBBF nationals takes centre stage with a huge 165 competitors, the largest bodybuilding show to ever grace our shores.
In a shake-up to the way the day went compared to last year when we didn’t finish up till the early hours of Sunday morning, but the 
Head people of the RIBBF decided to run the show straight through without the long break and it worked out to perfection.
We kicked off just after midday and the quality line up that was the first timers got us underway. Piotr Paszkiewicz took first place.
Then the Juniors took centre stage where Dominik Vilagi took another big trophy home but this was really close, Eomonn Doherty was in top form and this was so close to call but the judges gave the nod to Dominik.
Our novices were next up and 6 guys were all in great shape but when Larry Doyle came out he was the clear winner, he and his trainer Bryan hickey just nailed it so Larry now steps in to the weight category where if he puts on a few more kgs of lean muscle he will be shooting for an overall soon.
Before we moved on to the women the Men’s classic guys were up and Lukasz Chwaszcza took home the honours.
So now it’s the time of the women and Bikini ladies were first up and under 168cm where Donna Brennan took home first place in a huge class that had 22 women, pushing Donna all the way was Lucie Baldwin and in 3rd our very own Phoebe McVey who looked incredible.
The over 168cm was taken by Helge Stibi followed by Elis Naumanis and in 3rd Renata Paliokiene
Donna took the Overall as Helge was not to be found after her win.
So it’s now the body fitness ladies turn and in the under 168cm and Jenny Clarke just nudges out Agata Barkowska for 1st place and Louise Quinn comes in 3rd.
In the over 168cm we had our very own champ Ann Marie Last who looked her best ever and won her very competitive class with Silvia Vercimakova 2nd and Tara Shanahan coming in 3rd.
With a short 30 minute interval and just enough time to sit down and eat pizza with the Irishmuscle crew we relax and reefed for the next few busy hours.
So we start back with the female physique and that’s won by Christina Jurksaityte with Iona Ziolkowska in second and Laura Jane Newton.
The overall body fitness went to Ann Marie Last and deservedly so.
So now it back to the men and the masters over 40, where a very impressive line-up took to the stage and Tony brown got the nod in first, Jason Healy took second and pushing them all the way was Hans Vogel.
The masters over 50s were next and some of the best physiques of the night were in this category. Jimmy Cassidy who looked just 
incredible was the clear winner and jj dunne and Shea Hughes were also very deserving of their respective 2nd and 3rd.
So the time for the weighted categories was upon us and as always the under 70kg class got us going with Paddy aherne 1st, Joe Dowling 2nd and mister pop tart himself Declan Cleare placing 3rd, this was Declan’s 4th show in as many weeks so he can’t be disappointed especially with 3 first places and an overall in that time.
The 75s seen Damien Sobczyk take 1st, Ian Doherty take 2nd and Glen Maher round it out with 3rd place.
80s now and Thomas Loonam lands the first place prize and he looked amazing, definitely brought his best package to date, on his coat tails were Erik henry 2nd and Gerard Masterson 3rd .
The 90s now in arguably the toughest under 90s category of all time Big Dean Hoban takes home the title. Karol Stuglik got an impressive 2nd and Mark Hennessey taking 3rd, Mark gave up a bit of bodyweight the lads but will be a huge threat when he adds a few more kgs on that symmetrical physique.
The heavies on next and this was by far the tightest group to call, all eyes were on Enda Wright and he didn’t disappoint, Enda got 3rd and Big Jamie Conway got 2nd, which the crowd didn’t seem to pleased with. Our over 90s winner was Famous Isiesi who will go home with the main prize. The judges had a very tough decision here.
Our Overall winner and I think was well deserved was Dean Hoban. Dean takes home the biggest title of the day and this guy has got 
such a balanced physique the judges couldn’t look beyond him, His hamstrings are just ridiculous too, if you haven’t seen them then check out the pictures of Deans side chest shot on Irishmusle.com
A special appreciation goes to Irishmuscle team members Karol Stuglik who was ecstatic about his placing, watch For Karol in the future not only on the Irish stage but a European one also, this man has got all the tools to be a great champ.
Lucie Baldwin on her 2nd place in the very tough bikini category, who will be on top on this sport for many years to come.
And of course to Ann Marie Last who maybe should change her name to Ann Marie First…….What is left to say about this lady, she nailed it this year and got her rewards so for now I think it’s on to Europe and no doubt she will dominate like she did here.
On that note I must leave it there for another year, 2013 saw some great battles on the stage, some great overall winners, some surprises like the engagement at nabba, I interviewed a father/daughter who both competed on the same stage, we had a new Mr Cork show to add to the list of shows, we witnessed some great pros, Sean Bullman bringing the house down in Cork, Shawn Rhoden looking aesthetically huge.
Let’s hope 2014 is as good if not better and I hope I interview you next year.
All the best
Craig Clifford – Team Irishmuscle
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RIBBF NATIONALS CHAMPIONSHIP 2013: VIDEO COVERAGE
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2013 Titan Nutrition Challenge
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Karol “Petarda” Stuglik 10days after Nationals
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Craig Clifford: Exclusive interview with Ann Marie Last
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CC: Can tell us about your journey into competing?
AML: I changed careers just over 3 years ago. I was a full time travel agent and decided it wasn’t the right career for me. I started a job as a fitness instructor and personal trainer in Total Fitness on the Malahide road. One day I was sitting in the cafe and a personal trainer by the name of Noel Mcpartlin approached me. He asked me would I ever consider competing in a body fitness category in a bodybuilding competition. I remember him telling me that if I trained properly I would shape up really well. Well at first I thought to myself ah is he mad, I’m not standing on stage practically in my nip in front of hundreds of people. I was curious after that conversation as to what was involved so I googled it. Now I was never much of an exhibitionist and was quite shy when it came to showing off my body. After some thought I figured you know something this would be the kind of challenge I need. I felt I would learn more in regards to nutrition and training as well and would be something that would maybe break me in to the fitness industry. I decided at that point I was going to do it and so my journey began.
CC: What gym do you train in at the moment?
AML: I have trained in image gym in swords the past year.
CC: Where do you work?
AML: I work for Ben Dunne in his Northwood Location in Santry, Dublin. I am the night time studio instructor and a member of the fitness team.
CC: How do manage doing that many classes a week and still have the energy for a good gym session?
AML: I just do it, I never think about it like that . It has become a lifestyle for me. I have a good supplementation plan in place and I eat to support growth and the energy required to fuel my body and workouts.
CC: Being so fit for your classes , cardio must be a doddle for you pre contest?
AML: ha ha, I wouldn’t say that now . I don’t find it hard to be honest , usually the last 2 weeks of my prep is when it really hits me . Naturally my energy levels are low but I have always refused to let it affect my job. The way I see it is cardio is something that has to be done and will help me reach my goal quicker.
CC: How did you become a vital member of The Irish Muscle crew?
AML: In January 2012 I was asked by Irish Muscle to do a workout video, I was delighted to be asked at the time. I was the first girl to be featured on IrishMuscle. I started working for them April 2012 and here I am now. I have met so many great people, attended so many competitions and have learned so much. I’ve had ups and I’ve had downs but I enjoy being part of it.
CC: Can you tell us about your European Debut and what you learned from it?
AML: A learning experience is exactly what it was. I felt I was walking in blind and didn’t know what to expect. Now I know. To be perfectly honest I felt the judges were looking for a harder more muscular look. My long term goal would be to compete in the States because I feel they are looking for the slightly softer more feminine look. I think the competitions over there would suit the type of physique I am looking to achieve. My inspirations would be girls like Erin Stern and Nicole Wilkins. That’s just my opinion.
CC: This year you snagged the big prize and won the overall at the RIBBF , describe how that made you feel ?
AML: Symmetrical and proportional. My quarter turns were executed fairly well and my presentation, tan etc was spot on. I have worked very hard over the past couple of years to get to where I am today and nobody can take that away from me. I am a very happy bunny.
I felt I brought a very good package to nationals this year. I filled out with more muscle overall, My muscle groups were balanced etc …… as above
CC: I am presuming you may skip the national stage next year and compete onhe European stage again, any idea when and what show we will see you at next?
AML: Yes I plan on doing the Arnold and then after that I will look into compete in the states.
CC: You recently did a photo shoot for a 2014 calendar; can u explain how that came about and how people can get their hands on one??
AML: Yes, Jenny Mayberry suggested the idea , She was the brains behind it J she contacted a few of the girls who compete to see would they be interested in taking part . There were lot of girls to start out with but a lot then dropped out. A few people donated their time and services to help out. Barbara Gulik and Paul Cullen offered their photography services. Raw Gym provided the location and vitamin shop took care of the rest e.g. the printing of the calendars and locations nationwide to sell them . Jennie, Myself, Agata and Lucia were featured in the calendars . Go team wooo ha All proceeds go to breast cancer Ireland. You can buy them at any Vitamin Shop outlet nationwide , I also have some more to sell and I know Jennie does too.
CC: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
AML: Yes I would like to thank my sponsors, Vitamin Shop and Irish Muscle for their continued support. I have being using Trec Nutrition products right throughout my prep. They are sold exclusively to Vitamin Shop Ireland. They are sold in outlets nationwide. I would also like to thank everybody who has supported me throughout my journey
CC: Before we sign off is there any advice you can give to figure / bodyfitness athletes starting out ??
AML: Yes guys its hard work and no its not just about being ripped. Here are some key words I use a lot ha !!Your muscle groups should be
balanced, symmetrical and proportional . Posing correctly to showcase your physique properly is off extreme importance., Practise , Practise, Practise !! Presentation is very important, make sure you tan is dark enough . Wear comfy shoes you can walk in . If any of this confuses you, ask for help. guys we all need guidance , go to the right people who know what their talking about .
One more thing I have seen this a lot . We now have a bikini and fitness / toned figure categories etc. make sure you pick the right competition to suit your physique / body type, especially if you want to do well and not be disappointed. It seems every girl out there wants to compete in bikini but not everybody is bikini, genetics can play there part too. As I said go to the right people for advice.
Thank you very much Ann Marie for your time and look forward to seeing you on the Arnold stage next year.
All the best,
Craig Clifford – Irishmuscle Crew.
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Titan Nutrition Challange
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Dominik Vilagi -Chest and Triceps training
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Lucy Baldwin & Donna Brennan -Shoulders Training
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Hans Vogel 2weeks after NPC -Chest & Biceps
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Ann Marie Last trains at City West week after Winning RIBBF OVERALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013
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