Germany, October 2004
Karate World Cup Super Six
Last weekend six students from Co. Louth’s I.W.K.R. travelled to Darmstadt in Germany to take part in the Junior Karate
World Cup. The six were part of a 52 strong national team, which had
been in training for several months for this event.
The event took place over a three day period, as almost 1600 competitors from 43 countries competed for the coveted World Champion titles. This was by far the biggest event that any of the children had ever competed in. The experience of being part of such a huge event is one that all six will remember for many years to come. The experience is all the more fantastic because this event is only held every second year. Indeed, the six heroes are already looking forward to the next Junior Karate World Cup, which will be held in the Chinese capital, Beijing, in 2006!
The head coach at the I.W.K.R., sensei Thomas Marrett, said this about his six students. “All six of our students who competed in Germany at the weekend were a credit to their country. All of the coaches and students in our club are very proud of their achievements. To have competed with the best in the world, and to have done so well is just brilliant. We are all very happy for them.”
All six I.W.K.R. students were placed extremely well within their respective competitions, with all of them finishing with a top 10 world ranking. This is due in no small part to the enormous dedication that they have all given to their sport over the last number of years. Their head coach said about the impressive results: “It is no surprise to us at the club to see our students holding their own on the world stage. These children put a lot of effort into their sport and they deserve any accolades that they receive”. For their effort the six managed to take home a creditable silver and a bronze medal. The placing for the I.W.K.R. students in their various categories were: Niamh O’ Reilly 2nd, Leah O’ Hagan 3rd, Brendan Marrett 4th, Oisín Kirk 5th, Niamh Kirk 5th and Tracey Marrett 9th.
Appropriately for Halloween, the children went to visit the nearby Frankenstein’s Castle… but even he was no match for Co. Louth’s super six!
Members of the Irish junior squad who competed in the World Karate Championships in Darmstadt, Germany.