Longford karate queen takes home All-Ireland gold for second year

Longford has itself a new sporting star in the shape of double National winning Karate champion Eadaoin Murtagh.
The 23-year-old UCD student successfully defended a national 50kg crown she had won 12 months earlier at Tallaght Leisure Centre recently.

Eadaoin’s achievement was made all the more noteworthy given that her championship winning exploits came in the midst of her graduation from UCD.
“There was a lot of pressure on me this year and I put in a lot of time and effort,” she told the Leader this week.
A large slice of that dedication alluded to by the affable Longford native involved 6am gym sessions six times a week followed by a further one to two hour training drills in the evening.
It’s been a journey of unbridled commitment for the former Meán Scoil Mhuire and Ballymahon Mercy Secondary School student, who credits much of her progress to Sensei Brendan Perry, in his role as chief instructor at Terenure’s Kaizan Dojo and Fitness Centre.
“He (Brendan) has been a big influence,” said the daughter of proud parents Tom and Imelda.
“He has been at (karate) training for years and has played a big part (in success).”
A keen sportswoman, Eadaoin told of how her single minded attitude towards her chosen discipline resulted in her having to forego many of her other interests.

“I did play basketball and football in Longford, but since I came up here (Dublin), I couldn’t do it here and when you are this level (of competition) your not really allowed to get involved in other sport,” she said.

Eadaoin’s hunger to succeed has also rubbed off in her academic pursuits.
“I am going to be staying in Dublin as I am after completing my degree in commerce and have taken up a job offer with PWC,” she said confidently.
As for whether she intends defending her crown for a third time, Eadaoin’s answer was as emphatic as it was determined.
“I want to continue and definitely not relinquish my national title without a fight.”
Rousing sentiments they may be, the odds on Longford’s all conquering karate champion repeating that feat in 12 months time look set to be very short indeed.