John Harrington (karate champion)

John Harrington was born 20 February 1980, in County Kilkenny, Ireland and lived most of his life in the small town of Fethard in County Tipperary, where he trained with the former world champion PJ Maloney. In 1998 Harrington joined the army where he remained for three years until an injury sustained during a contest forced him to leave. He then had brief spells working in accountancy, construction and distillery.

John's titles include: Irish Karate Open 1998, 1999, 2000. Munster karate Championships 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001. Karate All Ireland 1999, 2001. Mitchelstown Karate Open 1998. In the summer of 1999 John at the pinnacle of his career competed at the World Championships where he lost in the second round to the world champion. Judo titles include All Ireland 1998, Tipperary Open 1997, 1998, Galway Open 2000.

Due to a spate of unfortunate injuries Harrington was sidelined for a number of years. There are rumours of a return to the International Circuit.