History was made last weekend when the county hosted the first ever Donegal Karate Championships.
Sensei Mary Lynn O’Neill, from Donegal School of Shotokan Karate hosted the competition.
What makes this championship particularly significant is that it is the first-ever woman-led national karate event in the country.
Sensei Mary, who opened her karate club in August 2023, has quickly become a trailblazer in the sport.
Athletes from across the country gathered to compete in a range of categories, with a special focus on inclusivity. Sensei Mary ensured that this championship featured an inclusive category, a first for Donegal and the West of Ireland, allowing martial artists of all abilities to participate and showcase their skills on a national stage.
In an inspiring display of skill and dedication, Sensei Mary herself competed in the Kata division and claimed the gold medal.
Mary is extremely proud of the entire club and was beaming with joy that so many competitors from her club were by her side and others tirelessly helping her out on the day.
“When I opened my club in 2023, my goal was to create a space where everyone felt welcome, regardless of background or ability,” she said.
“To now be standing here, hosting a national championship and winning gold myself, is beyond anything I could have imagined. This is just the beginning for karate in Donegal.”
Plans are already underway to make this an annual event, solidifying Donegal’s place on the national martial arts map.
Her students also delivered outstanding performances, marking a hugely successful event for her club bringing home 22 medals! Among the highlights:
Team Kata Gold – Alan Mc Connell, Joshua MC Hugh and Andrea Laux
Team Kata Bronze – Frances O’ Neill, Elena Tobandzhova and Marie Gibson.
Family Team Kata – Niamh, Grace and Noah Onefrei
Andrea Laux – 2 Golds in Kata
Alan Mc Connell – Silver in Kata
Grace Onefrei – Silver in Kata & Silver in Kumite
Niamh Onefrei – Bronze in Kumite
Joshua Mc Hugh – Bronze in Kata & Bronze in Kumite
Dominic Mc Hugh – Bronze in Kata
Taylor Hughes – Bronze in Kumite
Elena Tobandzhova – 2 Bronzes in Kata
Lily Bradley – Bronze in Kata
Kim Bradley – Bronze in Kata
Andrei Crosnoi – Bronze in Kata
Jacob Ferry – Bronze in Kata
Mark Myburgh – Bronze in Kata & Bronze in Kumite
Other competitors that showcased amazing talent, but it wasn’t their day on the podium: Cormac and Grace Devine, Borimir and Ognyan Georgiev, Fionn Mc Hugh, Oscar Ferry, Diurann Kern and Aisling Doherty.
