She has also had a very
successful competitive spell over the past twelve
months.
As well as winning the Irish title she has medalled
in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Birmingham at
international tournaments. Her gold medal at the
Sportif International in Edinburgh was "the pick of
the bunch".
"I have been pinching myself ever since I got it. It
is a surreal experience. I never imagined that I
would become an Irish international player when I
started judo. To push on from that and and win
international medals and now to gain my black belt
is simply fantastic. I am over the moon!," she
beamed.
"I would like to thank all my coaches and training
partners at Samurai Uladh for helping me along the
way. Our club is very strong and there are some
extremely talented young judo players coming
through. I feel privileged to be the first black
belt in the club but I definitely wont be the
last!," she added.
Samurai Uladh is based in Burnfoot and Derry. Ladies
coach Donna Nash added: "I am delighted for
Kathleen. She thoroughly deserves her black belt.
She has a superb attitude and is a great role-model
within the club.
"The fact that the club's first black belt is a
female is also a great boost for all the girls in
the club. I have no doubt that Kathleen will be the
first of many!"
The club is always looking for new members. Training
times and details can be found on the club's website
at
www.samuraiuladhjudo.org . |
