Mayo athlete Eddie Doyle victorious in regional bodybuilding test in Derry

Mayo athlete Eddie Doyle has competed for the second time in a bodybuilding competition and was placed first in his class, the 50+ category, at a regional event in Derry.

The competition was held under the auspice of the Physical Culture Association (PCA).

PCA is an international bodybuilding federation, which has an Irish branch. This is a bodybuilding organisation with a strong emphasis on physical culture, aesthetics and athlete development.

Eddie's win was all the more significant because on his first competition ever in The RDS last May, Eddie excelled in his efforts by winning an incredible two first placements and a fourth position in a third category.

The Castlebar man's bodybuilding journey began last September 2025 and in only two competitions he has shown exceptional progress.

“The standard was insanely high, the sport of bodybuilding is definitely on the up in this country and for good reason,” said Eddie.

“If you are even considering training or possibly competing I would say go for it. Six months to a year of your life will change for the better.

"It was possibly one of the most satisfying process if not the most difficult one I have ever done.

"What a wonderful community it is. Supportive and genuinely positive, from the staff at Goals Gym, Castlebar, to other competitors.

"My trainer/coach Simon Sadowski was on point with his guidance and eye for detail.”

Apart from the focus and discipline required specifically for these competitions, the foundation for Eddie's successes lies in many years of weight training and karate training.

Eddie is also a karate instructor holding a 5th Dan black belt grade and is chief instructor with the Yotoshinkai Karate Club, Castlebar.

Eddie's PCA win means he is stage-ready at PCA standards and is now competitive enough to move to national level for bigger PCA shows. He qualifies as a PCA regional champion.