Historic Achievement: In 2019, Chris McCarthy became the first Irish athlete to win a gold medal at the European Karate Championships.
Competition Details: He triumphed in the Junior Male Kumite +76kg category at the European Championships in Aalborg, Denmark, defeating competitors from Germany, Serbia, Czech Republic, Estonia, and Macedonia.
World Ranking: Following this victory, McCarthy ascended to the top tier of the World Karate Federation junior rankings.
🥋 Caradh O’Donovan (Sligo)
Transition from Kickboxing: A former international kickboxer with multiple national, European, and world titles, O’Donovan transitioned to karate and quickly rose in the ranks.
Olympic Pursuit: She represented Ireland at the European and World Championships and trained for Olympic qualification events. Aldridge Foundation
🥉 Sean McCarthy Crean (Cork)
Youth Olympic Success: Sean McCarthy Crean secured a bronze medal in the +68kg boys’ kumite event at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, marking a significant achievement for Ireland on the international stage.
🥇 Lily Sheeran (Louth)
World Champion: At just 16 years old, Lily Sheeran clinched gold at the 2023 WUKF World Championships in Dundee, Scotland, competing in kumite.
National Dominance: She remains unbeaten in Ireland and also holds the national title in her category. Her Sport
🥇 Keith Nulty (Dublin)
Inclusive Karate Champion: Keith Nulty, an athlete with cerebral palsy, won gold at the I-Karate World Cup, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
Training Background: He trains with Karate Ash (IKKU – Irish Kenpo Karate Union) and has been a dedicated practitioner for over a decade.
🥇 Alexandria Crowe (Belfast)
All-Ireland Champion: In 2025, 12-year-old Alexandria Crowe won gold in the girls 12-13 age group at the Official National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland (ONAKAI) U14 Championships.
Performance Highlight: She dominated the final match with a 7-1 victory, demonstrating remarkable talent at a young age.
🥈 Zoe McDermott (Dublin)
Historic Finalist: Zoe McDermott made history as the first Irish female to reach the final of the WKF Youth League, representing WSKF Senshi Karate.
🥈 Susanna Reavy
National Success: At the Karate Ireland National Championships, Susanna Reavy earned double silver medals in individual kumite and kata, narrowly missing out on gold in both categories.
🥉 Anna McCormick
Dual Bronze Medalist: Anna McCormick secured bronze medals in both individual kumite and kata at the Karate Ireland National Championships, showcasing versatility and skill.
🥇 Calvin McCann (Dublin)
Historic Achievement: In 2023, Calvin McCann became the first Irish athlete to win a gold medal at the WKF Karate Youth League.
Significance: This victory marked a milestone for Ireland in the World Karate Federation’s youth competitions.
🥉 Michael McGlynn (Strabane)
Achievement: Secured a bronze medal at the WKF Youth League in Guadalajara.
Recognition: His performance was celebrated by the Official National Amateur Karate Association of Ireland (ONAKAI).
