“Things just keep going from strength to strength in Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club,” said a delighted club PRO, Paul Griffin on Monday morning as he divulged that club member, Katelyn Horan fought her way to an All-Ireland title in the Girl 1 48kg category at the famed National Stadium in Dublin on Friday evening.”
True Warrior
“We had three girls boxing this weekend in the National Stadium in Dublin and we had two 11 year old girls in the Irish finals on Friday evening. First up was Bronagh O’Neill from Castleisland in the Girl 1 46kg final. This was Bronagh’s first time boxing in the National Stadium and she fought like a true warrior through the first and second rounds against a much more experienced opponent. Bronagh was holding her own with her opponent just shading the rounds. Unfortunately, due to injury, she could not continue.
Positive Attitude
“However, she showed her coaches her true heart as she was really upset that she couldn’t carry on for the third round. Bronagh is a future champion in the making with this positive attitude,” said Paul.
“Next up we had Katelyn Horan from Castleisland also in Girl 1 48kg final. This was Katelyn’s second time fighting in the National Stadium having won her semi-final there last weekend. This was an absolutely first class performance from start to finish from Katelyn.
Boxing Master-Class
“She went up against a girl from a club which has produced great female boxers down through the years. Katelyn, who was giving away almost four inches in height advantage to her opponent, dominated every round in what can only be described as a boxing master-class. This young girl is responsible for bringing home Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club’s second All-Ireland title this year. Well done Katelyn,” added the proud PRO and coach.
“Last but not least: our most experienced boxer and role model, Saoirse Kelly did not disappoint with her performance in Youth 2 60kg category semi-final on Saturday evening.
Toe-to-Toe
“Saoirse, from Glenflesk, boxed in a rematch of the Munster final against an opponent from Rathkeale. The two girls went toe to toe. But it was here that Saoirse out-classed her opponent again to secure her place in her fifth All Ireland final on the coming weekend. Fingers crossed this will be fifth time lucky for Saoirse.
Hard luck to Kerry and Munster Champions, Ava Fitzmaurice and Danielle O’Neill from Castleisland who bowed out at the quarter final stages of their categories. Well done to all our boxers from all in the club,” Paul concluded.
