Fionbarr Farrell only took up fencing after an accident in a school laboratory in 1961 went wrong and he suffered damage to his legs. As a result, he was unable to pursue his favourite pastime of horse riding. Farrell was just 16 at the time, and after seeing a notice in a local store by Salle Duffy, inviting people to consider taking up fencing, he duly joined. The young Farrell was coached by Paddy Duffy, who suggested the sport would be good to help his legs recuperate.
Farrell did recuperate, and at the same time had an aptitude for his new sport and went on to enjoy a long and illustrious fencing career as an exponent of all three weapons, épée, foil, and sabre, becoming a Master Emeritus at all three. Farrell was the 1992 and 1993 Irish foil champion and represented Ireland at the World Championships between 1965-78. He also competed at the 1968 Mexico Olympics in all three disciplines but with little success.
In 1991 Farrell became a Level 5 Maître d’Armes in all three weapons. He was also treasurer of the Irish Academy of Arms and was a vice-president of the International Academy of Arms. He became a fencing master at Salle Duffy in 1999 and was also a master at several schools and colleges in the Dublin area and was also Master at Arms at Trinity College, Dublin University. Farrell was also involved in stage fencing and choreography.
IRL