England arrived in Dublin early this evening ahead of Friday’s historic meeting with Ireland at the National Stadium.
Both nations clash in a first-ever Schoolgirls international at the home of Irish boxing in Dublin.
Friday’s international was initiated by IABA President Pat Ryan who sees the meeting as a stepping stone toward the restoration of home nations boxing at male and female, Junior and Senior Cadet and Youth level.
The IABA President pointed to the strengths of the home nations, stressing that Ireland (8) and Great Britain (12) have qualified 20 of the 286 male and female boxers that will compete at next month’s Olympics in Rio, an impressive return given that the qualifiers, to a large extent, are restricted to a continental format to enhance the universality of the Games.
Moreover, Great Britain finished in No. 1 position in the medals table at London 2012 and Ireland finished joint 5th with Kazakhstan. At underage international level the home nations have also secured impressive medal hauls from male and female World and European competition.
Amanda Coulson, lead coach with England Boxing, backs the IABA President’s call.
“I think it is an excellent idea. It would certainly encourage the extra international participation for the boxers and give them an extra bout, an extra international. It’s something I would support, definitely, she said.
“This is the first meeting between both nations at this level and the team are very much looking forward to Friday’s international. England’s schoolgirls won eight gold medals at the GB Schools Three Nations, and there were some exceptional performances at this year’s Schools Championships, so I’m looking forward to seeing the boxers in action against Ireland.”
Friday’s weigh-in will be held between 1-2pm in the Ringside Club adjacent to the National Stadium. Athletes must bring their record books.
Boxing begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available on the door.
€5 for Children U/14 and €10 for Adults.
Club deals are also available – 20 entry for €60 (Terms and conditions apply).
Contact Sally@iaba.ie to reserve space.
Ireland versus England (7.30pm)
(Provisional match ups)
40kg Breda Quilligan (Rathkeale BC) v Alex Brown (Newbiggin)
44kg Saoirse Morrissey (Setanta BC) v Gaynor French (North Road)
46kg Chloe McDaid (Illies GG BC) v Maria Edwards (Collyhurst and Moston)
46kg Chloe Gabriel (Mulhuddart BC) v Jessica Pattinson (Alnwick)
48kg Meghan Lehane (Rylane BC) v Sameenah Toussaint (Norholt)
50kg Linda Desmond (Rylane BC) v Sophie Morton (Droitwich)
52kg Zoe McGlone (Emerald BC) v Jude English (Hamer)
54kg Rebecca Touhy (Esker BC) v Danielle Marshall (Hartlepool Catholic)
57kg Charlie Horgan (Ryston BC) v Brook Eaton (Five Star)
63kg Keisha Atwell (Ennis BC) v Emily Asquith (Bridlington)