Nangle adds spice to karate classes
M Navan stalemate ARTS
superb trademark individual try which was converted by Malone. Half time and 14-7 was just what Dundalk deserved.
After the break the tie was a more even affair as Navan came back into the game by upping the intensity. Dundalk were still having the better of things and Niall Brennan broke for another fantastic solo try. A very difficult conversion attempt was missed, 19-7 Dundalk.
In the last 10 minutes, Navan were throwing the kitchen sink at Dundalk, but the away side were holding their own.
The turning point came with about five minutes to go when captain Jamie Rafferty received a yellow card and Dundalk were reduced to 14. Navan immediately scored a converted try from the ensuing penalty, leaving five points in the difference.
Dundalk were rattled at this stage with the numerical disadvantage together with general lack of structure. Navan knew it was now or never and with the final attack in the last play of the game they crossed in the corner to level the score. An almost impossible conversation from near the touch line against a tough breeze was missed and the honours finished even.
Although Dundalk felt they threw it away, a draw against Navan in Navan is a significant improvement and they will be a match for anybody in Leinster this year if they keep learning and working hard. Next up it’s the Louth derby against Boyne in Drogheda next weekend. WITH members settling back into the term-time routine, Head of Dundalk Karate, Sensei Mary Marcus 2nd Dan, thought it was time to spice things up and Sensei Fran Nangle 7th Dan, Head of the Irish National Wado-Kai Federation proved just the tonic.
Having visited the Dundalk Dojo in the Redeemer Family Resource Centre previously, it was fantastic to see Sensei Nangle in residence for a return visit.
Once everyone was lined up and bowed in at the start of class, Sensei Nangle after a quick introduction quickly got everyone warmed up and straight into basics followed by combinations, and with a mix of the odd fun exercise during class, everyone was kept on their toes. Higher grades didn’t escape Nangle’s watchful eye, as he called a select few to perform Kata (form) either individually or in pairs and with fellow members watching, nobody was taking their eyes of what was taking place.
Following the main class, Nangle stayed on to further instruct all Cadet and Sensei Members, along with a few invited higher grade Junior Members, and with numerous advanced basics and higher Katas covered everyone was thoroughly delighted with everything that was accomplished during class.
Sensei Marcus said afterwards, “Firstly Sensei Nangle put not only myself but my daughter and Assistant Instructor within Dundalk Karate, Catherine Marcus, who graded to 1st Dan under Sensei Nangle last year, through our paces before the main class began for all members of Dundalk Karate, but he didn’t let anyone within Dundalk Karate sit on their laurels.’
Marcus went on to say,: ‘Everyone was eager to start class after seeing a little taster of what Catherine and myself were put through, and Sensei Nangle did not disappoint.
‘Members as young as 4 years of age, up to our Senior members, and with some Senior members having sons or daughters as members, everyone enjoyed Sensei Nangle’s instruction.’
Dundalk Karate currently train in the Redeemer Family Resource Centre, Dundalk every Monday and Thursday from 7pm to 8pm and they have also introduced an All Inclusive Karate Class every Tuesday from 6.30 to 7.30pm which is aimed at anyone who requires any additional needs.
If you would like any further info on Dundalk Karate you can either pop along to one of these classes or you can contact Sensei Mary Marcus 2nd Dan on 086-3531625 or karatequeen@live.com.