London, November 2005
I.W.K.R. Takes On The Lions!
The I.W.K.R. sent a representative squad to the British
Karate Championships last weekend. The club received a personal invitation
to compete from the event organiser, sensei Shinohara. This invitation
was based on the club’s impressive string of international successes
in the past couple of years. Seven junior and five senior squad members,
along with two club coaches and various family members made the trip
to London. The club’s representation was made up of a mix of seasoned
and novice competitors. All did exceptionally well. In a tough show
of determination, Damian Mc Clean took 4th place in the boys under 16
white to green belt kata (form). Sarah Barry took an equally brilliant
4th in the girls U16 white to green belt kata. These two victories were
all the sweeter given that this was the first time to compete abroad
for both competitors. Eva Cotter, Shannon Mc Namee and Cormac Martin
were also competing abroad for the first time and all three performed
magnificently. All five are a great illustration of the type of up and
coming children that the I.W.K.R. is producing. Two
seasoned international children travelled with the club. Niamh O’
Reilly took silver in the Girls U16 blue to black belt kata and Leah
O’ Hagan took silver in the Girls Under 16 blue to black belt
kumite (fighting). Both girls did exceptionally well against girls who
were up to five years older then them! In the senior section, Derek
O’ Reilly took 4th place in the senior kata and Nicola Hopper
took 4th place in the senior ladies kumite. Nicola got a second medal
for the team kata event. Her two team mates for this event were Laura
Mc Mahon and Mary Coleman. The club’s other senior competitor,
David O’ Donnell narrowly missed out on a medal in the men’s
senior kumite section. The club’s two coaches, Tommy Marrett and
David O’ Hagan expressed great satisfaction at the club’s
success.
