Donegal School of Shotokan Karate win 15-medals at the Ulster Championships

The recently formed Donegal School of Shotokan Karate won 15 medals at the recent Ulster WUKF Championships. 

The Donegal School of Shotokan Karate opened its doors last August and has given a new lease of life to Letterkenny’s once-thriving martial arts scene. 

With a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation, the team faced off against seasoned competitors who had already national and international titles. 

Sensei Mary O’Neill is only new to the competition scene. Against all expectations, she stunned her opponents, taking home Gold in both categories of Senior Female Kata and silver in Team Kata.  

Mary, who is a native of Coolboy, has been on the mat since she was eight years old. Mary is the driving force behind the first woman-run martial arts club in Donegal. The club caters for men, women and children.

Team Kata Silver winners were Caitriona Ferry, Alan McConnell and Mary O’Neill. 

Team Kata Bronze included Frances O’Neill, Marie Gibson and Danielle Byrne. 

Other winners included: 

Oscar Ferry: Silver Kumite 

Fionn McHugh: Bronze Kumite 

Danielle Byrne: Bronze Team Kata, Bronze Kumite 

Caitriona Ferry: Silver Team 

Alan Mc Connell: Silver Team Kata, Bronze Individual Kata, Bronze Kumite 

Chris Lubbinge: Silver Kumite 

Elena Tabandzhova: Bronze Veteran Kata 

Mary O’Neill: Gold Senior Kata, Gold Senior Veteran Kata, Silver Team Kata 

And also, to Clare Risely, Hanna Zherdieva, Jacob Ferry and Borimir Georgiev for their bravery but just missed out on the day.