Raft of national titles secured by Mayo boxers
Ursula Shaughnessy alongside her coaches from Ballinrobe BC, James Butler and Patrick Burke.
Having suffered heartache in national finals in 2022 and 2023, it was a case of third time lucky for Ballinrobe’s Ursula Shaughnessy when she was crowned the 80kg National Junior 1 Champion in the National Stadium on Saturday.
Ursula faced tough opposition against Rathnew’s Molly Higgins and the talented Ballinrobe boxer had to dig deep in what was an excellent contest.
After a titanic battle, Ursula was declared the winner on a split decision of 4/1 in her favour.
Her hard work, dedication and commitment paid dividends and it was a memorable and cherished day for her family and supporters who made the trip. Ursula is coached by James Butler and Patrick Burke.
Indeed, it has been quite the month for Ursula, as she also played a starring role in Ballinrobe Community School’s LGFA All-Ireland Junior ‘C’ final victory against St Mary’s Macroom.
Aglish Boxing Club also had three talented boxers competing at the National Boy/Girl Championships Finals, with two of them winning.
Emma Rattigan boxed her Dublin opponent brilliantly in the G3 51kg decider, with her long range combinations and movement making it impossible for her opponent to get anything on her.
Ethan Duffy fought an Antrim opponent in the B3 72kg final and after a cagey first round, Ethan got to know his opponent and from the bell in the second put on pressure with fast combinations, pinning his opponent in the corner. The referee stepped in to give a count but the Antrim boy was unable to continue and Ethan was crowned champion.
Another Aglish boxer, Ryan Nolan, was up against a double Irish champion, in the B3 52kg final. This was a fast-paced contest with both boys scoring with good punches. The pair displayed good fitness levels and kept the pace going for three rounds, with a very close decision just going against Ryan on this occasion.
Another Mayo fighter to win an Irish title was Kate Moyles from Ardagh/Crossmolina BC. She enjoyed a rip-roaring contest at the National Stadium and won gold at Girl 4.
Bethany Ward (Ballyhaunis Boxing Club) also recently picked up Gold in the Girls 4 75kg bout at the National Stadium.
Remarkably, her sister Andrea Ward from the same boxing club also came away with Gold just one week later in the Girl 2 68kg competition. The two sisters achievements marked a very proud week for the Ward family.
