Karate success for Meath in Hungary

There was great success for the Irish team at the 21st Széki Cup organised by the Karate Sportsclub Bátaszék in Hungary with Meath's Sadhbh O'Brien winning gold and silver at u-10 grade while bronze medals were won by Vlad Bunduchi (u-10), Luke Victory (u-12) and Mark Collender (u-18).

Caelan O'Brien (u-10) was the fifth Meath competitor and was edged out in the pre-medal round

The event was attended by all of the big karate federations in Hungary and by special invitation, WKFI Ireland sent a squad to participate also.

Meath Karate, based at Bodytrim Fitness in Beechmount Industrial Estate, had the five local athletes involved in the squad.

It was an exciting few days for the squad, the parents and coaches who travelled to Budapest and then on to Bátaszék.

The reward was some fine displays as the group brought home nine medals from 14 participants with Meath Karate bagging five medals, one gold, one silver and three bronze.

Coach Adrian Collender was delighted with the haul and with the performance of all of his students.

“It’s fantastic to see the students performing so well at international competitions and enjoying the experience,' he said.

'It will help improve the overall level of karate in Ireland and we are looking forward to the next away trip to Liverpool with CIKA Ireland for the CIKA UK Championship,' he added.

MEATH RESULTS

UNDER-10

Caelan O’Brien - qualified to pre-medal rounds under 10 male

Vlad Bunduchi - bronze for Kumite under 10 male

Sadhbh O’Brien - gold for Kumite and silver for Kata under 10 female

UNDER-12

Luke Victory - bronze for Kumite under 12 male

UNDER-18

Mark Collender - bronze for Kumite under 18 male