Tallaght karate club wins trophies months after opening

JUST months after opening, St Maries Karate Club punches above its weight at the Tipperary Open Championships.

One of Tallaght’s newest karate clubs is celebrating a successful competitive debut after bringing home first and third-place trophies from the 4th Tipperary Open Karate Championships.

St Maries Karate Club, established in July 2026 and officially opened in August, travelled to Tipperary for its first-ever competition, organised by Sensei Kevin Sullivan of Tora-Kan Karate Club.

Competing alongside fellow members of the International Japan Karate Association (IJKA), the young Tallaght club delivered impressive performances against experienced competitors from across the country.

Eight-year-old Amelia Maher claimed first place in the Under 8 Kumite (sparring) category, battling through several tough fights to secure the club’s first championship Trophy.

Her older sister, Bella Maher, took third place in the Under 12 Kumite category, narrowly losing her semi-final 1–0 to Liyana from Tyrrelstown Karate Club, who went on to win the competition.

Both girls also competed in Kata (forms), with Amelia exiting in the opening round and Bella losing her first-round contest to the eventual category winner.

Club founder and instructor Sensei Eoghan Kennedy (2nd Dan) also entered the championships, reaching the final four in Senior Men’s Kata and finishing fourth.

In Senior Men’s Kumite, Eoghan faced eventual runner-up Eoin Thomas, aged just 19.

Despite landing a Jodan (head-level) punch that briefly rattled his younger opponent, Eoghan admitted that Thomas’ speed ultimately proved decisive.

“I thought I’d give the kumite a go myself, but ended up fighting a 19-year-old who’s 20 years younger than me! I managed to rattle him with a Jodan punch, but his speed got the better of me. Maybe I’ll stick to coaching!”.

However, Eoghan believes instructors should practise what they preach.

“I think it’s important for Senseis to lead by example. We encourage our students to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones, so we should be willing to do the same.

‘Regardless of age or physical condition, there’s always something to learn from competing”

St Maries Karate Club was founded in loving memory of Eoghan’s late mother, Marie “Renny” Reynolds, a dedicated karate instructor who spent many years teaching and promoting the sport in Tallaght.

Named in her honour, the club aims to continue her legacy by providing a welcoming environment where children and adults can develop confidence, discipline, respect and friendship through traditional Shotokan Karate.

“My Mam dedicated so much of her life to karate and the people she taught. Naming the club after her just felt right.

‘She would have been absolutely delighted to see her granddaughters competing and bringing home trophies. I know she would have been very proud.”

For Eoghan, the competition was particularly special as both an instructor and a father.

“For a club that’s only been open a few months, bringing home two trophies from our first competition is fantastic.

‘As their Sensei, I’m delighted with the girls’ performances, but as their Dad, I’m absolutely bursting with pride. We’re only starting out, but hopefully this is the beginning of many more great days for St Maries Karate Club.”

St Maries Karate Club, also known as IJKA Tallaght, welcomes children, teenagers and adults of all abilities, including complete beginners.

Classes take place every Wednesday and Friday, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at Scoil Chaitlín Maude, Hazelgrove, Tallaght. Free trial classes are available.

For further information, contact Eoghan Sensei 083 429 8659, email ijkatallaght@gmail.com, or visit Facebook and Instagram @IJKATallaght.