World karate medal winners welcomed back in Cork

Fermoy Karate Club hosted a reception for the Irish karate team, which recently returned from the World Championships in Poland with two gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.

Alison Hennessy, Shane Hurley, and Noreen Daly, from Fermoy, were among the successful Irish contingent that secured medals.

Following Ireland’s successful showing at the European Championships in Bulgaria in July, the team’s impressive performance at the World Championships has put Ireland firmly under the spotlight on the international karate stage.

Brian Toomey, of Fermoy Karate Club, who is also manager of the Ireland karate team, told The Echo he is extremely proud of the team’s achievements.

“Absolutely, especially when you get medals,” Mr Toomey said. “The Irish national anthem is playing behind you on the podium: That is so emotional.

“The reception was about recognising the achievements, and a way of saying thanks for representing Ireland.”

Mr Toomey said the success of the Irish team at the World Championships also illustrates that Fermoy Karate club is thriving.

“It is one of the oldest karate club’s in Ireland, and is going from strength to strength,” Brian said.

“Fermoy Karate Club was established in 1970 and has been building all down through the years.

“We have had really good success along the way in international competitions.

“A lot of our members have been on Irish teams down through the years.

“At least three members of the Fermoy club were selected to represent Europe at the Continental Cup in Japan in May. That is just down to their success over the last couple of years.”

The sport has been a cornerstone of Mr Toomey’s life.

He started his karate career in 1973, with the Fermoy club, and enjoys nothing more than passing on his knowledge and experience in the discipline to young people starting out in the sport.

He has represented Ireland as competitor, coach, and as an international referee and is well respected on the international karate circuit.

Mr Toomey has been constantly organising and attending international karate seminars and championships.

“I have seen a lot of the world through my involvement with karate,” Brian said. “I have been a long time at it, and I still love it, which is great.”