THE CASTLEWELLAN Kazoku Karate Club are basking in the glow of their success at the recent European Championships in Warsaw, Poland.
The club won a haul of medals at the 9-13 October event, that head coach Gerard McAnulty has hailed as being important to the club.
The highlight of those included Matthew Fitzpatrick’s gold medal in the inclusive kata (6-12 years).
Loughinisland’s Finn Power (U-13, under 165cm), Ann Marie Cunningham (veterans, 36 to 40 years), and Barry McAnulty (21 to 35 years, under 70kg) won individual silver medals, and Gerard McAnulty won gold in the +75kg, category.
Conor McAnulty (21 to 35 years, under 70kg) won a bronze individual medal.
There were team silver medals for Christopher Cunningham and Martin Cunningham who are from Dundrum and Finn Parr in the 14-15 year Cadets B team event, and Gerard, Conor and Barry McAnulty won the double team European title in the Male seniors category (18-35 years).
Gerard told the Mourne Observer that the club are on a great run as their European Championship successes came so soon after their world title wins.
“For the club it was a good championships,” he said.
“They were a great few days. We were all physically and mentally ready because of the last few weeks. And the success we had.”
Read why Gerard believes that Matthew Fitzpatrick’s success will have a positive effect for the club and the community.
