A BARRHEAD karate kid’s dream of conquering the martial arts world has been boosted by a new sponsorship deal.

Niamh Junner has signed a four-figure contract with Tommy O’Rourke Builders to help fund her costly travel abroad to big international competitions.

The 21-year-old fighter claimed fifth place at the European Championships in Madrid in February and is now targeting glory at the World Championships, which take place in Budapest in October, but it all costs money.

As part of the sponsorship deal, she will wear the firm’s logo on her training gear.

Niamh told the Barrhead News: “As karate is self-funded, this is a really positive step in my career that will help me to continue to compete amongst the best in the world.

“The 2025 World Championships will, for the first time, be through qualification, which will involve more travelling.

“It’s vital to compete at these elite world events.”

Niamh said the support provided by the building firm, based in Robertson Street, Barrhead, will help her fly the flag for East Renfrewshire on a global stage.

“I have known Mr O’Rourke for a while and I cannot thank him enough,” she added.

“I told him recently about my funding issues and he said he was only too happy to help out.”

Niamh, who competes in the heavyweight and kumite categories, is currently ranked number 17 in the world and hopes to improve on that as 2023 progresses.

Her biggest challenge is away from the karate arena, as her sport offers little or no prize money.

In the last year, she has travelled to Chile, Egypt and Azerbaijan for competitions.

Niamh works part-time as a bartender at the Dalmeny Park House Hotel, in Barrhead, to fund her karate expenses, as well as studying anatomy at the University of Glasgow.

Looking further ahead, she is targeting gold at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Niamh, who is a former pupil of Cross Arthurlie Primary School and has lived in Barrhead all her life, takes inspiration from her parents Douglas and Lesley Anne, who are both black belts in karate and competition referees.

They also drive her to Scotland training sessions in Stirling and to competitions down south.

Niamh added: “This is a very big year for me, as I’m competing against the best in my sport.

“These are the competitions that you want to win and that is what I am striving for.

“However, I cannot compete without financial support, so the sponsorship has come at a really ideal time.”