Offaly duo awarded fourth degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate

Two Offaly men, Daingean's Tony Dunne and Lusmagh's Fergal Kelly, have been awarded a fourth degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate.

Tony and Fergal achieved the grade on Sunday, December 14 last, in Celebridge Kenpo Academy.

Professor Edward Downey, 10th Degree, one of the panel grading the participating group of 30 men and women, commended each of them for showing "great determination, valour and spirit during the test while displaying great knowledge in all aspects of the syllabus."

He said they had shown "their commitment to the sport in their dedication to training two evenings a week and participating in ten pre-tests in the weeks leading up today, all the while continuing with their other commitments."

The karate journey does not end here for Tony and Fergal as, from February, they will embark on learning the fifth degree Kenpo Karate syllabus of forms and techniques.