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Denise wins top karate title
18.04.10
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
KARATE expert Denise Donaghey is delighted after
securing her biggest ever sporting achievement.
The Burnfoot martial artist was crowned the new
European Senior champion after blazing a trail at
the annual World Union of Karate Federation
Championships in Portugal last weekend.
Denise won three bouts against opponents from across
Europe on her way to the WUKF semis before coming
through a tough last four, which included three
Portuguese competitors roared on by the home crowd.
The former Crana College and St. Aengus’ student
would not be denied and won the gold medal in
Santarem on Sunday night. |
“I am absolutely
delighted to have won. I couldn’t have done it
without all the support I received from my coaches,
family and friends,” Denise said.
Denise has practiced karate since the age of four,
when she used to accompany her dad, Denis, to
Aileach Youth Club. She earned her first belt aged
only five and became one of the youngest ever to
gain a Black Belt 1st Dan a number of years ago. |
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Mother, Dorothy said
her daughter is extremely dedicated to the sport.
“She trains four or five nights a week when many
other people her age are out partying. She is not
someone who seeks attention. If you met her she
wouldn’t even tell you that she does karate!” she
said.
“This is reward for all her efforts over the years
and we are so proud of her. I couldn’t believe it
when she rang home on Sunday with the news that she
had won gold.”
Letterkenny IT student Denise is gearing up for the
World (Italy) and European Juniors (Hungary) next
year before she gets a chance to defend her senior
title in two years time. |
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