The Irish Athletic Boxing Association have named a four-strong squad for the European Elite Women’s Championships in Spain.
Boxing begins on August 24 in Madrid.
Dundalk southpaw Amy Broadhurst, the current European U/22 champion and World Elite quarter-finalist, will line out at lightweight.
Cork’s Christina Desmond, a bronze medallist at the 2016 Europeans, Cavan’s Ceire Smith and Castlerea’s Aoife O’Rourke line out at welter, fly and middle in the first major boxing tournament in Madrid since ex WBO champion Andy Lee won silver for Ireland in the 2004 EU Championships in the city.
Smith was unlucky to be edged out by Japan’s eventual bronze medallist Tsukimi Namiki on a 3-2 split in the flyweight class at the 2018 World Elites in New Delhi and can’t wait to get back in the ring.
“I have to say, it’s the best, physically, mentally, I’ve been for any tournament in a long time, said Smith pictured above in blue.
“I’ve been there before and I’m itching to get back and perform to my best and I’m one hundred per cent focussed.”
Irish head coach Zaur Antia and Damain Kennedy will be working Ireland’s corner at the 12th edition of the Championships.
Thirty two nations including Ireland have entered in the build-up to the World Women’s Elites in eastern Siberia in October.
Irish boxing lies in 8th position in the all-time European medals table at this level with ten podium finishes.
Current unified pro champion Katie Taylor claimed six European titles before switching codes and Harrington, Desmond, Clare Grace and Michaela Walsh have won one bronze each.
European Women’s Elite Championships Madrid, Spain August 22/31
Irish squad
51kg: Ceire Smith (Cavan/Virginia)
60kg: Amy Broadhurst (Dealgan)
69kg: Christina Desmond (Fr Horgan’s)
75kg: Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea)
Coaches: Zaur Antia and Damain Kennedy