The Macroom southpaw claimed a historic World University bronze in Thailand last year, a first for Irish boxing, and also secured bronze at the European Women’s Elite Championships in Bulgaria.
Athlone BC heavyweight Ken Okungbowa competed in the semi-finals after Desmond and also took home bronze from Thailand.
In total, Desmond, who boxes out of the Fr. Horgan’s BC, has won 14 Irish titles and World University and European Elite medals. She’s also claimed AIBA World Youth silver and represented her country at the Youth Olympics.
The Limerick Institute of Technology student scored the biggest win of her career last year after sensationally beating Olympic silver medallist Nouchka Fontjin of the Netherlands at the European Olympic qualifiers.
The Dutch ace, who is ranked No. 2 in the world, bounced back from that shock to qualify for Rio through the AIBA World Elite Women’s Championships. She reached the Olympic 75kg final where she was beaten by Claressa Shields of the USA.
Desmond’s bronze medal at the European Elites – which entitles her to 300 AIBA World rankings points – saw her join Katie Taylor and Clare Grace as one of three Irish women to finish in a podium position at this level.
The Rebel County won 30 All-Ireland titles last season, a record for the sport on Leeside.