The Castleisland based Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club is on something of a roll at present.
Right on the heels of its founder member, Jennifer O’Sullivan-Coffey being honoured with a management role in the Irish touring team to Romania, the club’s girls have collected an impressive haul of Kerry, Munster and All-Ireland medals.
The pinnacle of their year came at the National Stadium in Dublin yesterday when they won one gold and two silver medals. Ava Fitzmaurice took the gold while Zoë Smith and Danielle O’Neill won their way to silver.
Six Girls in Munster Championships
The club had six girls enter the Munster Championships of 2017. This resulted in four gold and two silver medals coming back to the club.
The gold medalists are: Danielle O’Neill, Ava Fitzmaurice, Zoë Smith and Bridget O’Brien while 2015 All-Ireland champion Katelyn Horan and Clodagh O’Sullivan won the two silver medals.
On Saturday the three girls, represented the club in the All Ireland finals in the National Stadium in Dublin and they brought one gold and two silver medals.
Ava Wins Gold
Ava Fitzmaurice won gold in the 53kg Girl 3 category final with a victory over Leah McNamee from the Olympic Club in Mullingar.
Zoë Smith won a silver medal and was up first on Saturday’s list of finals involving the Castleisland club. Zoë won her semi-final on a four-to-one majority decision last week.
Big Things Expected
“As this was only her second fight, big things are expected from the 11 year old in the future,” said club spokesperson and trainer, Paul Griffin.
“Ava Fitzmaurice was up next after winning both her quarter-final and semi-final with five-nil results.
“This is Ava’s third time in Dublin and first time reaching the finals and we’re delighted she made it all the way on this occasion.
“Last but not least we had Danielle O’Neill who won a silver medal in her Junior 1 48kg category. Danielle boxed in her second final in three years and she was hoping to go one better than two years ago.
Trained Really Hard
“The girls have trained really hard this year and all at the club are very proud of their achievements,” said Paul.
After she was crowned 2017 All-Ireland Champion Ava was understandably over the moon:
“Words can’t literally describe how I feel right now – Irish Champion 2017. Thanks to all my coaches for all the work they’ve put into me. And thanks to all my family and friends for the support – I couldn’t do it without ye,” she said.
Delighted with Performances
Club founder member, Jennifer O’Sullivan-Coffey was also delighted with the performance of the girls throughout the championship route from county titles to the best they could be in Ireland’s National Stadium.
Though there is a deep and long tradition of the sport of Boxing in Castleisland, the Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club was established here on December 4, 2006.
Slight Lapse
It took up, after a slight lapse where the late Tom McCarthy had left off. During his long reign as trainer, Tom guided several local youngsters to county, provincial and national titles. He also ran tournaments which attracted boxers from many parts of Munster and beyond to these annual events at the local community centre.
Natural Successor
You could say that Jennifer O’Sullivan is Tom’s natural successor as she is the woman at the helm of the club these days.
Since its establishment in 2006 the Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club has grown and developed beyond all expectations. The club caters for young people from the ages of five to 17 and it also runs an adult training session.
“The club provides activities and team building through involvement to encourage the development of values, self-confidence and self esteem in all young people it caters for.
Provide Opportunities
It aims to provide opportunities and activities for the youth in their own community.
“We pursue a policy of parental involvement within the club and support family participation where possible. We are very lucky to have such a strong support base and dedication from our volunteers within the club. The Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club is supported by North East & West Kerry Development,” said Ms. O’Sullivan.
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