Golden girls of Irish Karate
24th March 2006by Dave
The listing was posted by Mizukara
Ireland’s top two karate ladies once again proved they are the best in the country at the St Patrick’s weekend North West of Ireland International. World champion Cathy McAleer lifted gold in the ladies fighting and kata events, however as expected her international colleague Leona McFadden from L/Derry pushed her hard all the way in the final of both events and deservedly lifted both silver medals. Cathy who has recently recovered from an injury was delighted with her results. As a double bonus both girls have just been selected to represent Northern Ireland at the WKC European Karate Championships, which will be taking place in June.
In the junior competitions, students from NWSKU in Strabane and Carnalea Wado Kai in Bangor claimed the top prizes in team kata events. Ciara Dullaghan from NWSKU also collected gold in the individual girl’s kata while Glen Bailie from Carnalea lifted the gold in the boys under 16 years under 5’2” fighting.
Caolin Quinn, also from NWSKU, lifted double gold. One in the under 16 kata years kata and the other in the under13 years fighting event. TJ Morris form Dromore won the boys age 9 fighting and added a silver to it in the 9 year olds kata event.
The international team final was fought between Northern Ireland and Wales, with the Welsh coming out on top in a tie-break bout after the initial wins and scores had been completely level.
Ulster Karate Council President, Mr Terry Boyle was delighted with the local performances. He added “The standard of competition karate from students in the north of Ireland is growing in leaps and bounds. We currently have two world champions and many more potential international champions in the making.”
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