Free women-only self-defence classes offered in Clare town

The Irish Taekwondo Academy has started providing free self-defence classes for women only in Killaloe amid increased fear being expressed by mothers after the recent death of primary school teacher, Ashling Murphy, writes Dan Danaher.

Smith O’Brien’s GAA and Camogie club are hosting these classes in their new astroturf without any fee on Friday nights at 8pm for another five weeks.

Also in attendance will be three female black belt assistant instructors along with female senior rank students to assist everyone with the class.

Irish Taekwondo Academy head instructor master, Damien Madden recalled a number of mothers had asked him if he would be in a position to organise female only self-defence classes in light of what happened to Ms Murphy.

“After posting these classes on social media, we had 30 women who said they definitely wanted to do it. There were more than 40 women at the first class including a few women who travelled from Nenagh.

“Basic self-defence is being taught in the classes with no level of fitness needed. The community garda in Killaloe has agreed to give a talk in the coming weeks about measures to improve women’s personal safety.

“There are lovely walks in Killaloe. People can walk down to Clarisford where there are a few sections that are dark at night. This is not about beating up anyone. These classes will help women get free in a life-threatening situation to allow them to go and call for help. Mothers with teenage daughters are doing the course together.”

As the weeks go on, Mr Madden hopes to advance the training a little to deal with trickier situation such as someone grabbing a woman. Working as a security man in a licensed premises, he has seen what can happen with couples who go out drinking to excess.

“When the nightclubs reopened after the last easing of Covid-19 restrictions, I saw a man hit a girl and pull her out of the nightclub by the hair. We called the gardai and the man was arrested.

“The gardai explained they could detain him but the likelihood was the girl wouldn’t press charges afterwards. It was a serious assault, but the gardai’s hands are tied.”

Anyone who would like to attend should email theirishtaekwondoacademy@gmail.com or text 089-4449544.