Derry karatekas set to compete at Euro karate championships

The Ulster Karate-Do Federation (UKF) is travelling to the south of France in search of glory in the World Union of Karate Federation’s European Championship.

The squad of Inishowen and Derry karatekas will jet off to Antibes in the relaxing Cote d’Azur on Monday (November 13) ahead of the four-day event which will feature thousands of competitors.

Far from soaking up the winter sun of the French Riviera, the local athletes will be sweating it out on the mats in a battle to better last year’s impressive UKF medals’ haul in the Euros in Italy.

The squad goes into the event following a strong performance at the Carlow International Karate Competition last month, where the squad won a host of medals and team member Lara Walker (12) was named ‘Female Fighter of the Tournament’.

The UKF squad travelling to France also includes Harry McDaid (12), Joe McDaid (46), (18), Killian Doherty (17), Patrick Moynihan (16), Philip Walker (15), Aine McCole (18), Bebhinn McCole (14), Jack Walker (9), Daniel Moynihan (9), Jack Moynihan (7), Gareth Walker (49), Sean Moynihan, Coach Caolan Caulfield, Coach Erin McCole (22), Coach Aine McCole (18), and Head Coach Martin McCole (47).

2022 European gold medallist in kata Philip Walker, and Erin McCole who also added gold in this year’s WUKF World Championship in Dundee to her Euro win last year, will be seeking to retain their titles.

Caolan Caulfield, Killian Doherty and Patrick Moynihan, who together won the cadet team kumite rotation event last year, will also be hoping to repeat the heroics of 2022.

UKF President Sensei Columba McLaughlin, 6th Dan and Eamonn Doherty will travel with the squad to officiate at the event.

UKF Head Coach, Martin McCole, said the next fortnight will be very busy for the UKF squad, with the Karate Ireland National Championships coming hot on the heels of the Euros.

“The squad has put in a lot of hard effort in 2022 and the UKF has continued to be recognised among highest performing teams in Ireland and well beyond.

“There are a tough couple of weeks ahead and plenty of challenges, but everyone is ready and focused for France 2023, and will have to do it all again a week later at the national championships in Waterford.”

The World Union of Karate Federation’s European Championships will take place from Wednesday to Sunday, November 15-19 in Antibes.

PICTURED ABOVE: Gareth Walker, Eamonn Doherty, Aine McCole (Assistant Coach), Joe McDaid, Erin McCole (Assistant Coach), Daniel Moynihan, Caolan Caulfield (Assistant Coach), Jack Moynihan, Patrick Moynihan, Jack Walker, Killian Doherty, Lara Walker, Sean Moynihan, Harry McDaid, Philip Walker, Martin McCole (Head Coach).