UCD Karate Club has won the 2011 Karate Intervarsity Championships, retaking the trophy for the first time since 2006.

The team were highly competitive within all grade segments, winning gold in eight events, as well as silver in six. The event, which took place on 5th March 2011, was hosted in Larkin Community College in Dublin, and organized by DIT Karate Club. 

UCD were particularly dominant in the Beginners’ category, with wins for both men’s and women’s teams in Kata and Kumite (sparring), as well as individual wins for David Doyle and Elizabeth Treacy in the men’s and women’s Kata respectively. Of the latter wins, David Doyle’s was especially impressive, given his very short period at the club. Amongst the higher graded competitors, silver medals were attained by black belts Conal Ó Tonnaigh and Emer Flavin.

There was widespread recognition and appreciation for the excellent organizational work done by DIT, who had agreed to arrange the event at short notice. UCD finished the day with an impressive 59 points, with DIT and Trinity College tying for second place, on 31 points each.

The full team:

Conall Ó Tonnaigh, Ian Duggan, Emer Flavin, Maria Aragane, Ciaran Foley, Aishling McNabb, Danny Flynn, Siobhan Atkinson, Elizabeth Treacy, David Ryan, Paul Byrne, David Doyle