Karate champions set to represent Ireland at European Championships
Seven members of a local martial arts club will fly the flag for Kilkenny and Ireland in international competition this weekend.
The group, all part of the Budo Martial Arts Centre, known locally as Kilkenny Karate Club, will represent Team Ireland at the JSKA European Karate Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.
Under the guidance of Team Ireland head coach Sensei Kevin Shortall, a 6th Dan black belt with the Japan Shotokan Karate Association, the team of Patrick Murphy, Henry Maher, Iza Kol, Billy Clowry, Brian Maher, David Quinn Maher and Shortall, have been in intense training for the championships and are seen as strong contenders on the European stage.
The team has plenty of experience on the competition circuit. Iza Kol won gold and bronze medals at the JSKA Karate World Championships in Germany last yea, while Kevin Shortall, secured two world bronze medals at the same event. He followed that up by winning two gold medals at the 2023 Karate Ireland National Championships, Kol winning a gold and silver medal, while Billy Clowry earning gold.
Training for the European Championships has been intense, with the team members and coaches dedicating countless hours to perfecting their techniques, building strength, and enhancing their overall performance.
Despite their success and determination, the journey to Istanbul is entirely self-funded. To support their endeavour, the Kilkenny Karate Club reached out to the local community and businesses for sponsorship, with contributions helping alleviate the financial strain and enable the athletes to focus on their performances as they represent Ireland in Europe.
The club offers a unique blend of fitness and self-defence training designed for people of all ages. Located in the Watershed in Kilkenny, the karate classes are ideal for children aged five and over, teenagers, adults and families. All interested in trying out the sport can contact the club to arrange a trial class. For more see budomartialartscentre.com.