Galway now has five new 1st Dan Black Belts in the dynamic art of Kickboxing.
Oisín Concannon from Barna, Darren Van Strien from Westside, Colm Dunphy from Ballinfoile, Ultan Connell from Bushypark and Mac Dara Ó Curraidhín from An Spidéal, along with seven other applicants who travelled a round trip of some 400 kilometres from the Top Pro Kickboxing Gym in Carlow, all tested for their Black Belts in the Galway Black Dragon Kickboxing Gym under 8th Dan Master Pete Foley on Saturday afternoon.
Pete was assisted by 5th Dan Black Masters Clodagh Foley from Annaghdown & Larry Mc Quaid from Cavan.
After submitting their up to date certification in First Aid, Child Protection and Garda Vetting, the grading started off at 14.30 with a timed 5k run which was followed by over three hours of hard work before finishing up at approximately 18.15.
All three examiners were very pleased with the high standards from everyone and commented that Kickboxing in Ireland was in a very good place.