Warrior Martial Arts

On Sunday the 4th December, the 2011 Black Belt Presentation took place at the Clonakilty G.A.A. pavilion. The group of recipients and their families were invited to gather at the venue for light refreshments and food before the presentation of their certificates. The students had all successfully passed their Black Belt exams in November under the expert eye of Master Clive Harrison 7th Dan.

Once everyone was seated and fed, President of Warrior Martial Arts Dan O’ Mahony and Vice-President Barry O’ Mahony got the awards under way.

The first certificate of the night went to new 3rd Degree Senior Black Belt Aishling O’ Driscoll, next up Senior 2nd Degrees went to sisters Sarah and Lisa O’ Donovan and to Niall Sheppard. Junior 2nd Degrees were presented to Ryan Grunwell and James O’ Donoghue.

New Senior 1st degree certificates were presented to Mary O’ Donovan, Noel Murray, Nick Hilliard and his son Shane. Junior 1st Degrees went to Jonathan Hurley and another O’ Donovan sister Sophie.

Once Dan and Barry had presented all their students certificates it was time for the two instructors to receive their own certs, having successfully graded to 5th and 4th degree respectively.  It was decided that the two youngest new 1st Dans would do the honours.

Sophie O’ Donovan of Kilbrittain club presented her instructor Dan with his 5th Degree cert., while Jonathan Hurley of Innishannon club presented his instructor Barry with his 4th Degree cert.

Our congratulations also go to both Sally Walsh-O’ Reilly, Senior 3rd Degree and Regina Nolan, Senior 1st Degree who were unable to attend on the night due to prior commitments.

Before the night was over, Dan popped the cork on a bottle of champagne which was presented to Dan and Barry by examiner Master Clive Harrison after passing their exam.

A great night was had by all, Dan thanked everyone for coming and congratulated the students for their hard work in achieving such a high honour as their Black Belt. He also thanked the Clonakilty GAA club and the hard working staff on the night.