Two local area Karate exponents took the IJK Open World Championships by storm at the weekend. Martin Sheehan from Kildorrery won the open world title at the championships in Bourgas, Bulgaria while Brian Toomey from Fermoy won the over 40's title and took a gold, two silver and a bronze medal.

Martin runs Kildorrery Karate Club which he started nine years ago. He's been a member of the Mitchelstown club for 20 years. Competing internationally for the last 13 years he has clocked up European and 5 Nations wins along the way. This is his first world title win. Competing in the heavyweight category, Martin, in a round of 16, beat off opponents in four fights, including an Indian competitor in the final, to win. He then went through to and won the grand champion event which pitched the best of the lightweight category against the best of the heavyweight section."It's great. I'm over the moon," he told The Avondhu on Tuesday. He extended sincere thanks to his sponsors, Mitchelstown Credit Union, SuperValu Mitchelstown and TNS Tyres, Kildorrery.

Martin returned home to Kildorrery from the world championships on Monday night. Arriving at 11.30 pm, he found himself late for his own surprise homecoming celebration but quickly got into party mode at the bash in Sheahan's Bar in Kildorrery. His girlfriend Lisa, mum Joan (a three time world karate champion herself), his brother Johnny, other family, friends and club members were all there to welcome him home and toast his success.

Brian Toomey remained on in Bulgaria until Wednesday of this week. Brian runs Fermoy Karate Club. He's been practising karate for over 35 years and received his first lesson in Fermoy Karate Club from Tom Abernethy. He has represented Ireland as competitor, coach/manager and as a referee down through the years and is well respected on the international karate circuit. As head of the International Japan Karate Association in Ireland he regularly organises seminars, championships and courses.

Fermoy mayor, Olive Corcoran extended congratulations to both men, saying theirs was an outstanding achievement which had brought great sporting credit to the town and the area.

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