The Defence Forces experienced mixed fortunes – and injury – in their opening bouts at the World Military Games in Wuhan, China today.
Former Irish Elite champion Ross Hickey was injured.
The 2008 European Elite bronze medalist, boxing in the welter class, was retired in round one after a clash of heads left him with a facial cut versus Miliusha Dzmitry of Belarus.
Commandant Adrian Watson, Irish team manager, said it was a heartbreaking exit for Hickey and hailed the brave performances of the Irish trio in action today.
(Image, Ross Hickey receiving attention after today’s contest)
Meanwhile, Leona Houlihan advanced at the expense of Garza Fallon of the USA, but Stephen Lockhart lost a close bout with China’s Zang Shuang and Michael Connelly was beaten by Poland’s Golembiewski Bartosz this afternoon.
Houlihan, the first Irish female boxer at the Worlds, is now one victory from at least bronze.
Danny O’Brien is in action in the last 32 tomorrow.
Wuhan is seven hours ahead of Ireland.
World (CISM) Military Games Wuhan, China
October 20
Last 16
75kg Leona Houlihan (Ireland) beat Garza Fallon (USA) W/O
Last 32
64kg Stephen Lockhart (Ireland) lost to Zang Shuang (China) 0-5
69kg Ross Hickey (Ireland) lost to Miliusha Dzmitry (Belarus) RSCI1
75kg Michael Connelly (Ireland) lost to Golembiewski Bartosz (Poland) 0-5
October 21
Last 32
91kg Danny O’Brien (Ireland) v Michael Gavaj (France)
October 22
Q/Finals
75kg Leona Houlihan (Ireland) v Viktoryia Kebikova (Belarus)
Last 16
81kg Brian Kennedy (Ireland) v Di Zhou (China)
91kg+ Antoine O Gríofa (Ireland) v Kumar Satish (India)
Irish squad
Team Manager Comdt: Adrian Watson (Roscommon)
Head coach: Sgt John Molloy (7th Batt) (Offaly)
75kgkg: Cpl Leona Houlihan (Dublin)
64kg: Pte Stephen Lockhart (7th Dublin)
69kg: Pte, Ross Hickey (Kildare)
75kg: Lt Mike Connelly (Galway)
81kg: Tpr Brian Kennedy (Offaly)
91kg: Pte Danny O’Brien (Dublin)
91kg+: Pte Antoine O Gríofa (Galway)