11/09/2024
I can't write one farewell message to one club without writing to my other one too, it's just been taking quite a while to write these. Again, it's with a heavy heart that I'm writing this, but after 19 years of training at Coleraine Taekwondo Club, I'm afraid it has now come to an end. After a very tough conversation, I had to decide to move away from the club, as I am now about to become a father, and now need to reprioritise.
I first started at the club when I moved to Coleraine for University, and have been going ever since, whether I lived locally, in Belfast, Derry and now Craigavon. It's just now, with work and travel, it's a full day, and it's now unsustainable. I first met William and Gerard at the Freshers Fayre in Uni, started as a complete novice and have now become a 2nd Black Belt instructor of the club. Something I feel very proud of. Over the years of training under William McLaughlin, Gerard Gillen as well as Brian Kerr, we've been to lessons, gradings, seminars and competitions together. And I can honestly say I couldn't have achieved this without them, and everyone else's help and support through the years. So thank you so much, it means so much more to me than what I could possibly explain. Not only that, but teaching all the pupils, children and adults alike, allows me to learn much more too, so for everyone who attended over the years, you deserve my thanks too.
Coleraine Taekwondo Club has been a big part in helping me get through some very tough times in my life, and it is truly difficult to imagine not being there anymore. A lot of people have asked me why I travel so far, and can I not just train at a closer club, and my answer has always been,
"Because that's my club, I can't just walk away from it." So I hope everyone understands that with my resaons, I'm not just simply walking away.
For me it does feel like it's the end of an era, and I hope everyone can understand. However, Martin Hinch and Thana Thammavongsa take Castlerock Taekwondo Club, so you are in good hands.
From the bottom of my heart, to William, a dear friend, and everyone over the years, thank you.
Farewell for now everyone,
Ciarán.
