Mayo Young Sports Stars: An exciting, dynamic, electrifying karate athlete

“Natasha Reddington is undoubtedly the most exciting, dynamic, electrifying karate athlete to braise the Irish Karate Scene in the last year.”

This quote by Ireland junior team coaches on Natasha Reddington's history-making first time selection to the national squad this year sums up how talented the Swinford martial artists is.

She's the first home grown student of Mayo Karate Academy (MKA) to be selected to represent Ireland, and the only athlete from the west of Ireland on the national kumite team to be selected in the last 10 years.

Natasha joined Mayo Karate Academy late 2022/23 with no martial arts experience. A quiet, unassuming yet independently determined athlete, she has excelled on the circuit locally, nationally and internationally.

She trains five times per week with Mayo Karate Academy under tutor Aaron McLoughlin and travels to Dublin every month for elite training with the Ireland team, all in addition to her Connaught squad training, gym work and a busy school schedule! She is a role model for all students, but also females who strive for greatness in their chosen discipline.

Natasha is unbeaten in Ireland, in multiple divisions and categories, and is the only Irish athlete to hold not one but two All-Ireland titles in two seperate disciplines in 2024.

Her exploits have earned her the martial arts category accolade The Connaught Telegraph Mayo Young Sports Stars Awards. Tickets for the gala ceremony in Breaffy House Resort on Friday, March 7, are on sale now. For details, contact Aiden Henry on (087) 6582141 or aiden.henry@con-telegraph.ie.