Civic honour for local karate club
Athlone's Matsubayashi Karate Club has been honoured with a civic reception in recognition of its 40th anniversary and the contribution it has made to the local community over the years.
The reception, which was bestowed on the club by Westmeath County Council's Athlone Moate Municipal District, took place in the town's civic centre on Thursday, September 10.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District, and President of this Matsubayashi Karate Club, Cllr Frankie Keena, paid tribute to Hanshai (expert teacher) Patrick Beaumont, the founder of the club.
"In 1986, he had a vision. He wanted to establish a karate club in Athlone. But I don't think even he could have imagined, all those years ago, just how far that vision would travel," said Cllr Keena.
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Members of the Matsubayashi International Karate Club in Athlone enjoying their reception at the town’s civic offices. Back row, L to R: Wesley Blom, Macy Blom, Hannah Beaumont, Patrick Beaumont, Elaine Fitzpatrick, Riley Blom, Rosarii Kennedy and Deputy Mayor Frankie Keena.Image 2 of 3
In attendance at the civic reception for Athlone’s Matsubayashi International Karate Club were Cllr Paul Hogan, Cllr John Dolan, Patrick Beaumont, Olive Beaumont, Deputy Mayor Frankie Keena and Cllr Tom Farrell. Photos: Terry O’Neill.Image 3 of 3
As it celebrated 40 years in existence, friends of Athlone Karate Club gathered to enjoy the civic reception bestowed on the club. L to R: Dermot O’Neill, Andy Coburn, Martin Doolan, Wella Doolan, Kevin McKenna, Patrick Beaumont, Deputy Mayor Frankie Keena, Sean Donohue, Mark Geoghegan and Derek O’Reilly."He didn't simply establish a karate club, he planted a seed. And over the past 40 years, that seed has grown into something truly remarkable.
"It has grown into a club of around 120 members. It has grown into a diverse and welcoming community."
Cllr Keena also paid tribute to Mr Beaumont's wife, Olive, and his late father, the former Athlone councillor Patsy Beaumont.
"Hanshi Beaumont has ensured that the future of this great club is in very capable hands to continue the family tradition of dedication, leadership and excellence in the art of karate.
"I would like to mention Hanshi Beaumont’s daughter Sensei Yvonne who is now a 7th dan black belt, his granddaughter Hannah is a 3rd dan black belt, his grandson Reilly is a 2nd dan black belt and his youngest granddaughter Macy is a brown belt," added Cllr Keena.