Paddy's day as Moynalty man excels on world stage

Paddy Lacey from Moynalty Karate Club claims medal

Moynalty Karate Club once again, left its mark on the world stage at the 14th Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) World Championships.

Team Ireland landed their first medal in the seniors category, for 35 years at the recent Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) World Championship which took place in Győr, Hungary 23rd to the 27th August.

Meath’s very own Paddy Lacey from Moynalty Karate Club won the medal for his Category 18-19 years in the individual kumite (fighting).

In a category of 44 competitors, Paddy defeated opponents from Mexico, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Ukraine on the way to the semi-Final. He narrowly missed out on a place in the final with a scoreline of 2:1 against a Brazillian fighter who eventually went on to take Silver in the final.

Paddy, who is a 2nd Dan black belt, trains at Moynalty Karate Club under Sensei Philip McCarthy (5th Dan) and himself a SKIF Masters World and European Champion. Paddy was thrilled. “I’ve always dreamed about standing on the podium at a world championship with a medal around my neck and carrying the Irish flag. But it felt surreal to be living it,” he added.

Sensei Michael Wall (3rd Dan) who is a club instructor at Moynalty and Chairman of SKIF Ireland commented: “This is a superb personal achievement for Paddy and testament to Sensei McCarthy’s coaching with whom Paddy has trained for many years. It is such a high achievement for such a small club, punching well above their weight in competition on the global stage”.

Moynalty Karate Club is based at the Muintir na Tire Hall in Moynalty village and provides traditional Shotokan Karate training twice weekly. The club regularly competes at national competitions.

Paddy Lacey with his medal hard earned at the world championships.