Address of Recognition proposed for Athlone based karate club

An Address of Recognition has been proposed for the Athlone-based Matsubayashi Karate Club in recognition of its 40th anniversary in September.

Making the proposal at the monthly meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Cllr Frankie Keena paid tribute to the founder of the club, Sensei Patrick Beaumont, whose "great work and commitment" had allowed the club to "expand significantly" over the last four decades.

"His contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. Since the club was established in 1986, it has delivered in promoting this style of martial art across Ireland and indeed Europe.

"In his role as Matsubayashi Karate Club European Director for two decades, Sensei Beaumont has tirelessly fostered connections and he has built a community dedicated to the true spirit of this karate style.

"As a founding member of the Irish Martial Arts Commission, Sensei Beaumont has hosted numerous senior karate practitioners here in Athlone and he continues to give seminars across Europe. He has served on the executive board of the Irish Martial Arts Commission since the 1980s," Cllr Keena told the meeting.

Extending his praise, Cllr Keena said Sensei Beaumont had "shared his expertise in unarmed combat with soldiers preparing for overseas duties with the United Nations".

"The Matsubayashi Karate Club has benefited many communities over the decades in our town since it was first established, where it also provides valuable assistance and helps to build self-esteem, particularly in young people," Cllr Keena explained.

To coincide with the visit to Athlone of a number of senior Sensei from the US in autumn, Cllr Keena proposed hosting the Address of Recognition in the club's honour on September 10, a date which the District confirmed would require "consideration from the Council's Corporate Policy Group."