Ms Connolly is the joint highest ranking student of Mr. Fitzgibbon and is one of only five people in   Ireland  to achieve black belt in less than two years. Demonstrating an early thirst for learning and training she began assisting Mr. Fitzgibbon in classes while still a green belt. This proved to be an immense foundation for her and still proves valuable today.

“Taekwon-do is not just a martial art, it becomes a way of life. It teaches determination, self-confidence, motivation, to become goal orientated, and how to push beyond barriers. You can develop a mental and physical health that I feel little, if any, sports provide that will reward you for life.”

Ms Connolly is currently training for her 4th dan, looks forward to the challenge of becoming an international instructor and an examiner. Her training regime currently consists of two classes per week and 2-3 separate training sessions.

Achievements:
1998: Connacht Taekwon-do Academy Grading Award
1999: Connacht Taekwon-do Academy Student of The Year Award
1999: Connacht Taekwon-do Academy Grading Award
2000: Millennium National Taekwon-do Championships (C.I.T., Cork ) - Gold
2000: West African Championships (Serrekunda, The Gambia ) - Bronze
2000: Leinster Open Taekwon-do Championships (U.C.D., Dublin ) - Silver
2001: WOMAA World Games (Killarney, Co. Kerry) - Silver x 2
2001: South-East English Championships ( Gravesend , Kent ) - Gold
2001: Connacht Open Taekwon-do Championships ( Galway ) - Gold
2001: Leinster Open Taekwon-do Championships (U.C.D., Dublin ) - Silver
2001: Munster Open Taekwon-do Championships (Killarney, Co. Kerry) – Silver
2002: IUTF National Championships - Bronze
2002: IUTF  Munster Championships (Tralee, Co. Kerry) - Gold
2003: IUTF  Munster Championships (Tralee, Co. Kerry) - Silver x 2
2003: BUTF English Championships, ( Margate ) - Silver
2003: AMA Taekwon-do Open ( Manchester ) - Gold, Silver
2004: Attended International Instructor Course - President Choi, Hong Hi
2004: Received highest score in IUTF Instructor Course
2005: Munster Championships – Gold
2006: Promoted to 3rd degree black belt
2007: GST Nationals, Gold & Bronze
2007: Connacht Championships, Bonze x 2