Newsletter Newsletter 4/2006 Celebration of the Cork Team’s return from WC Champs

Cork I.T.F. Taekwon-Do “Fun day” on Sunday the 5th November began at 10am when the excited junior Taekwon-Do competitors began arriving with their friends and family. Some, in their eagerness, arrived before this official opening time.

Instructors Mr. Mark Buckley and Mr. Leonard Coughlan were well prepared for the arrival of their students. Mr. Coughlan then began the event and the youngest to the oldest paid complete attention to his instructions. It was definitely his intention to put 100% ‘Fun’ into the day as he raced around the main arena getting all the competitors into the spirit of things.

The Lord Mayor of Cork arrived for the official opening at 11am and following his very astute and much appreciated speech the day was well and truly on its way. Bouncing castles and inflated jousting were also provided for additional entertainment, although Mr. Coughlan captivated all with his own style of performance. He moved easily between master of ceremonies and instructor, providing moving speeches about dedication and discipline and having a joke with students and audience. All were disarmed by this charming man, and it was evident that he is well liked by the students. Though all were encouraged to have fun, Mr. Coughlan expects a great deal of his students and they in turn are eager to show him what they are capable of. Respect is expected within the club, at home and with each other.

This is an important element of what is taught in the Cork clubs. It is evident in the student body that they have learnt this lesson well and the respect they have for their instructors is to be admired and most definitely deserved. The steely determination of Mr. Coughlan has brought an excellent school of Taekwon-Do to Mahon and Bandon communities.

During the ‘Fun Day’ he presented his own instructor Mr. Mark Buckley with a certificate to honour his 25 years in Taekwon-Do. Mr. Coughlan and Mr. Buckley are recently returned from Spain where they coached the Cork representatives of the Irish World Cup Championship team. The Cork Clubs took a total of 3 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals in their part of the Irish team’s total of 8 gold, 6 silver and 18 bronze, medals. Philip McAuliffe, Lorraine McCarthy and Aaron O Conner are the new World Cup Champions whom Mr. Buckley and Mr. Coughlan have brought home to Cork and their achievements have made their coaches very proud.

Minister Michael Martin travelled from an engagement in Dublin, especially, to support the ‘Fun Day’ and during his midday appearance he made a presentation to each of the 23 Cork members of the Irish Taekwon-Do World Championship Team. In his speech he praised the efforts of all the Taekwon-Do practitioners present and congratulated them on their decision to practise Taekwon-Do. The minister was presented with an honorary Black belt and certification from the Irish Taekwon-Do Association in recognition of his continued efforts to encourage healthy activities such as this. The minister was extremely impressed with the success of the Cork clubs and congratulated Mr. Coughlan and Mr. Buckley.

During the presentations Mr. Coughlan asked the spectators to recognise the hard work and discipline that went in to each individual performance at the World Championships by applauding all with equal vigour. The day finished at 3pm following the senior competition and was an immense success. Many of those present came and thanked Mr. Coughlan for organising such an amazing day. The Mahon community centre was the venue and provided exceptional service in their fully staffed café. Mr. Coughlan wished that we thank the manager Mr. Denis Coffey for all his support.

Leonard Coughlan