EUROPEAN RESULTS – SECOND SESSION

Cork’s Michael Faulkner guaranteed Ireland another medal at the European Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Championships in Albena, Bulgaria today.

But Irish (male) captain Cale Brennan, William Faulkner, Martin Collins and Jason Nevin bowed out on tight verdicts.

Michael Faulkner, who is coached at club level by former Irish Olympian Paul Buttimer and staff at the Northside BC, showed is class to see off Olek Levchenko of the Ukraine on a unanimous decision in the last-eight of the tournament.

Nevin, who repeatedly found the target with backhands, was shaded on a 3-2 split by England’s Shane Patterson, while Collins and William Faulkner went out after close bouts with Russian duo Anton Avdienko and Bogdan Priima, Faulkner losing 3-2.

Brennan and Idir Vracic met in a tight 46kg showdown, but the Serb got the nod after three rounds.

“No rub of the green tonight. All (four bouts) close, we could have won any of them. Great performances from all the boys” said Irish (male) team manager Martin Fennessey.

Above picture of Irish male squad today, courtesy of Irish (female) team manager Jennifer O’Sullivan

Earlier today, five Irish boxers blasted their way into Tuesday’s finals.

Overall, Ireland will be taking home 14 medals from the 16th edition of the tournament.

Sunday is a rest day at the competition. The semi-finals and finals will be decided on Monday and Tuesday.

Irish amateur boxing is proudly sponsored by Liffey Crane.