Team Ireland, pictured above and below today, arrived home from the AIBA World Men’s and Women’s Youth Championships in Budapest, Hungary via Dublin Airport this afternoon.
Jude Gallagher claimed bronze at the tournament to improve Ireland’s haul in World and European competition this year to 23 medals.
Gallagher was edged out on a split decision by Thailand’s Thitisan Panmod for a place in the 49kg final.The Thai light-fly won gold in Hungary.
Remarkably, three boxers – Thailand’s Nillda Meekoon (silver), France’s Tallya Brillaux (silver) and America’s Asa Stevens (gold) – that reached their respective finals beat Irish athletes – Daina Moorehouse, Lauren Kelly and Dean Clancy – en route to the podium. Stevens shaded Clancy on a 3-2 split.
Proud mum Grace Gallagher shows off her son’s World medal today
Likewise, four of Ireland’s seven-strong squad were only beaten by World champions and finalists in the Hungarian capital.
Dearbhla Rooney was informed in Budapest that she had earned a place on the Irish team for the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina in November.
The Leitrim feather joins Clancy and Hogan on the Irish squad for the Games.
The IABA CEO Fergal Carruth, IABA High-Performance Director Bernard Dunne, Anna Moore of the IABA and AIBA World Commission, and Peter O’Donnell, President of the Donegal Board, were at the Airport this afternoon to greet Team Ireland.
IABA President Dom O’Rourke wished all a safe journey home from the Airport this evening.
Irish amateur boxing is proudly sponsored by Liffey Crane.
