Club PRO, Paul Griffin sent news of a great weekend for the Castleisland based Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club. First up on Friday night was Saoirse Kelly who boxed for Ireland against England in the National Stadium in Dublin.
Although Saoirse lost her fight to the five-times English champion, the southpaw, eight-inches taller opponent knew from the off she was in a fight. For the four rounds the Glenflesk boxer gave as good as she got as they went at it punch for punch.
“In the end, the the older and more experience girl from the English team shaded it. But this was a great learning experience for Saoirse and she’s now looking forward to defending her Munster title and make it a four-in-a-row in two weeks,” said Paul.
However, Saoirse was presented with a specially inscribed ‘Ireland V England’ medal to mark the hugely important occasion on which she made her international debut for Ireland at the National Stadium.
“Next up we had the Munster boys’ competition in Limerick where we had four boys entered over two weekends. We had John O’Brein from Killarney who was boxing in only his third fight reaching the semi final stages and he gave a great account of himself over three rounds but lost out in a close contest,” said Mr.Griffin.
Antony Kelliher from Castlemaine who also boxed very well before losing on a split decision in what was also only his third fight.
Next into the ring was local Castleisland boy, Jordan Coffey who was in a Munster final against a boy from Ennis.
“What a performance we got from this 11 year old who completely dominated his opponent from start to finish. He won all three rounds to become 57kg Munster champion for 2015.
Barry O’Connor from Killorglin had to do it the hard way by fighting in a quarter final which he won unanimously against the Waterford Champion. In the semi-final O’Connor won unanimously against the Cork Champion.
The Killorglin boxer then faced into his hardest fight in the final against another Cork opponent.
“Though losing a close first round, he showed what a class act he is by winning the second and completely outclassing his opponent in the third to become the Munster 39kg champion 2015,” said the PRO.
Both Jordan and Barry will now compete in the All Ireland finals in Dublin next week under the guidance of of coaches: John O’Connell and Paul Griffin.
Well done to all involved and best of luck to the boxers and coaches in finals.
