Eleven 2025 National Elite Championship finals line-ups were decided tonight, in the first of two nights of semi-finals.

At 71kg, its Westmeath V Belfast, with Wayne Kelly (Ballynacargy) and Jon McConnell (Holy Trinity) winning their respective semi-finals. The 75kg decider will be between Gavin Rafferty (Dublin Docklands) and Taylor Guiney (St Mary’s Tallaght). Ryan Collins Murphy (St Monica’s, Down )and Brian Kennedy (St Brigid’s Edenderry) will do battle for the 86kg crown, while Paris Olympian Jack Marley will defend his Elite heavyweight title, following victory over Wayne Rafferty (Dublin Docklands). Jack will contest against 2022 World Youth Championship bronze medalist, Nathan Ojo (Esker BC, Dublin). While European U22 bronze medalist, Martin McDonagh (Galway) will renew rival with Godstime Ide (Crumlin) for the superheavy title.

70kg Tiffany O’Reilly (Portlaoise/Defence Forces) and double Olympian 75kg Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea BC, Roscommon), both had walkovers.

Action continues on Thursday evening, with 16 remaining semi-finals.

Day Two Results

QUARTER FINALS

67kg   Joseph McArdle (Holy Trinity) beat Luke Hall (Olympic L), 3-2

67kg   Darren O’Connor (Olympic C) beat Conor McCrory (Townland), 5-0

67kg   James McDonagh (St Pauls W) beat Damien Creavin (Olympic C), 5-0

67kg   Malo Davis (Monkstown D) beat Cian Cramer (Cabra), 4-1

SEMI FINALS

70kg   Tiffany O’Reilly (Portlaoise) W/O

71kg   Wayne Kelly (Ballynacargy) beat Darragh Gilroy (Fr Flanagans), 4-1

71kg   Jon McConnell (Holy Trinity) beat Eugene McKeever (Holy Family L), 5-0

75kg   Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea) W/O

75kg   Gavin Rafferty (Dublin Docklands) beat Jack Brady (Crumlin), 5-0

75kg   Taylor Guiney (St Mary’s D) beat TJ King (Ballyboughal), 3-0

86kg   Ryan Collins Murphy (St Monicas) beat Jason Clancy (Sean McDermott), 4-1

86kg   Brian Kennedy (St Brigid’s Edenderry) beat Shane Cunningham (Elite Cork), 5-0

92kg   Jack Marley (Monkstown D) beat Wayne Rafferty (Dublin Docklands), 5-0

92kg   Nathan Ojo (Esker) beat James Clarke (Crumlin), 5-0

92+kg  Martin McDonagh (Galway)  beat Samuel Ilesanmi (St Mary’s D), 4-1

Day Three Programme

Remaining semi-finals. Boxing begins at 6.30pm. All programmes are subject to change

Reigning European Elite 50kg champion, Shannon Sweeney (St. Anne’s, Mayo), has a walkover. While 2024 European bronze medalist, Niamh Fay (Ballyboughal, Dublin) goes up against two-time Olympian, Michaela Walsh (Holy Family, Belfast). Michaela currently jointly holds, with Kellie Harrington, the record for Elite titles. Both women have won 11 – Michaela is attempting to break that record.

Also in action on Thursday are Paris Olympian, Dean Clancy (Sean McDermott, Leitrim), 2022 European Elite silver medalist Caitlin Fryers (Immaculata, Belfast), two-time European U22 medalist, Robyn Kelly (Ballynacargy, Westmeath)

50kg   Caitlin Fryers (Immaculata) V Niamh Early (Ryston)

50kg   Shannon Sweeney (St Annes) W/O

51kg   Clepson de Santos (Holy Trinity) V Adam McKenna (Holy Family)

51kg   Ricky Nesbitt (Holy Family L) V Blaine Dobbins (St Josephs Derry)

52kg   Shauna Blaney (Navan) W/O

54kg   Chloe Gabriel (Dublin Docklands) V Cori Gleeson (St Francis)

54kg   Robyn Kelly (Ballynacargy) V Emma Flannery (St Catherines)

57kg   Niamh Fay (Ballyboughal) V Michaela Walsh (Holy Family GG)

60kg   Kellie McLoughlin (St Catherines) V Isabella Hughes (St Mary’s D)

60kg   Lee McEvoy (Avona) V Rhys Owens (Erne)

60kg   Adam Hession (Monivea) V Adam Sinnott (Rathnew)

63kg   Linda Desmond (Rylane) V Kaci Rock (Holy Trinity)

63.5kg Dean Clancy (Sean McDermott) V Roy Colgan (Avona)

63.5kg Jason Nevin (Olympic Mullingar) V Aaron O’Donoghue (Golden G M)

67kg   Joseph McArdle (Holy Trinity)  V Darren O’Connor (Olympic C)

67kg   James McDonagh (St Pauls W) V Malo Davis (Monkstown D)

Provisional Programme: 2025 National Elite Championship Finals

Boxing begins at 5pm. All programmes are subject to change

48kg   Ciara Walsh (Smithfield) V Courtney Daly (Crumlin)

48kg   Louis Rooney (Star) V Paudraig Downey (St John Bosco A)

50kg   Winner V Shannon Sweeney (St Annes)

51kg   Winner V Winner

52kg   Amber Byrne (Arklow) V Shauna Blaney (Navan)

54kg   Winner V Winner

54kg   Patsy Joyce (Olympic L), W/O

57kg   Kelsey Leonard (Unit 3) V Winner

57kg   Donagh Keary (Rathfriland) V Gavin Ryan (Ratoath)

60kg   Zara Breslin (Tramore) V Winner

60kg   Winner V Winner

63kg   Zoe McCaughran (Evolution) V Winner

63.5kg Winner            V Winner

66kg   Grainne Walsh (St Mary’s D)  W/O

67kg   Winner V Winner

70kg   Lisa O’Rourke (Castlerea) V Tiffany O’Reilly (Portlaoise)              

71kg   Wayne Kelly (Ballynacargy)V  John McConnell (Holy Trinity)

75kg   Bethany Doocey (Castlebar)V Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea)

75kg   Gavin Rafferty (Dublin Docklands) V Winner

80kg   James Whelan (Dublin Docklands) V Kelyn Cassidy (Savours Crystal)

81kg   Mikayla Kelly (Sacred Heart L) V Shauna Kearney (L)

81+kg Dearbhla Tinnelly (Clann Naofa) V Judy Bobbett (Liberty)

86kg   Ryan Collins Murphy (St Monicas) V Brian Kennedy (St Brigid’s Edenderry)

92kg   Jack Marley (Monkstown D) V Nathan Ojo (Esker)

92+kg Godstime Ide (Crumlin) V Martin McDonagh (Galway)      

Schedule

Thursday, November 14th: boxing begins at 6.30pm.

Friday, November 15th: boxing begins at 5pm.

Competition Arrangements

All draws are available here

Please be advised that, as per Article 46 of the IBA Technical and Competition rules, headguards are removed from Women’s Elite Competitions, this also includes our National Elite Championships. Pro-wraps are permitted. Boxers with pro-wraps hands must present them to an official, as directed by the National Registrar, for inspection before competing.

Boxers who enter the 2025 National Elite Championships but who cannot compete through injury will be required to furnish a medical statement of injury to the National Secretary Antoinette Fay McClean at mccleaniaba@gmail.com    

All boxers must contest in their club kit. International kit is not to be worn.

Weigh-ins and medicals are daily, on the day of boxing. Weigh-ins will take place, Tuesday to Friday, from 8am to 9am, and again from 12pm to 1pm.

Tickets

Tickets for all other days of boxing, November 12th to 14th, are available at the Box Office of the National Stadium. Finals tickets are available for pre-purchase on 085 131 1870

Preliminaries: Tuesday, November 12th – boxing begins at 6.30pm

Adults, €20

Under 14s: €5

Purchase: Tickets are available from the Box Office.

Quarter Finals: Wednesday, November 13th – boxing begins at 6.30pm

Adults, €20

Under 14s: €5

Purchase Tickets are available from the Box Office.

Semi Finals: Thursday, November 14th – boxing begins at 6.30pm

Adults, €20

Under 14s: €5

Purchase: Tickets are available from the Box Office.

Finals: Friday, November 15th – boxing begins at 5pm.

Ringside: €50

Angles: €40,

Gallery: Adults €30/Under 14s: €10

Pre-purchase by phone/from the Box Office

Mental Health First Aid Ireland is hosting a fully-funded in-person Youth Mental Health First Aid training course this month, and boxing club members are invited to attend.

It is taking place in the Maldron Hotel, Dublin 4 on Thursday 28^th November and Friday 29^th November 2024 from 09.30-16.030 each day. 

The YMHFA course is designed for adults who live with, work with or support young people aged between 12 and 18.

This training teaches participants how to assist a young person who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves, using a practical, evidence-based action plan. 

This YMHFA course is fully funded through our partnership with the HSE.  This is a two-day course and all participants must attend in full (from 09.30-16.30) to be eligible for certification.  Lunch and light refreshments will be served.

Registrations for this course can be made directly through this booking link: https://www.mhfaireland.ie/courses/10-youth-mental-health-first-aid-inperson?e=26467a99c80f42849de05c66b0a86d2c

IABA’s National Safeguarding Manager, Stephen Flynn and DEI Officer, Patrick Adejayan, have just graduated as tutors for the YMHFA course. They will begin delivering this course to boxing club members in the New Year.

IABA is beginning an archive project, which will digitise available bout footage from the National Stadium.

The first installment is the 1989 President’s Select Vs. IABA on December 8th of that year, featuring then future Olympic champion, Michael Carruth.

Programme

L/Fly M.Davis ( Bay City. Bt T.Waite ( Cairn Lodge)

Fly P.O’Halloran ( St Munchins ) Bt M.McQuillan ( Holy Fam, Drog )

Fly P.Power ( St. Munchins ) Bt T.Hamilton ( Drimnagh )

Fly C.Notarantonio( Newhill ) Bt D.Hosford ( Sth Parish, Cork )

Fth E.Moore ( Kilmainhamwood ) Bt G.Jordan ( Dom Savio, Dublin)

L/Welt M.Carruth ( Drimnagh ) Bt E. Fisher ( Holy Trinity)

L/Midd A. Crowley ( Arklow) Bt T.Hanley (Sth Meath )

L/Hvy D. Curran ( CIE) Bt M. Brennan ( St. Annes)

Hvy R. kane ( Avona ) Bt S.O’ Regan ( Rylane , Cork )

S/Hvy G.Douglas ( Sth Meath ) Bt P. Corr ( CIE)

IABA will digitise all available footage and acknowledges that, as much of this footage is over 35 years old, only salvagable elements can be published.

The second installment in the IABA Archive Project is the 1990 National Junior Championship finals

Programme

L/Fly M.Davis ( Bay City ) Bt A,Daly ( Bay City)

Fly P. Burke ( St. Michans ) Bt M. Matthews ( Blarney)

Btm J. Blanche ( St. Mich, Wexford ) Bt F. Carruth ( Drimnagh )

Fth E.Moore ( Kilmainwood) Bt E.Donegan ( Portarlington )

Light P.Loughran ( All Saints) Bt G.Rehill ( Longford )

L/Welt R.O’ Connor ( St. Canices) Bt J.Beatley ( Neilstown)

Welt S.McCluskey ( St. Canices ) Bt S.Quinn ( Ederney)

L/Mid D. Cutriss ( Ballyvolane ) Bt J. Coughlan ( Cloghan)

Midd A. Crowley ( Arklow, Wicklow ) Bt J. Rock ( Phoenix)

L/Hvy D. Corbett ( Holy Fam, Belfast) Bt S. Stankard ( Headford)

Olympians, a 2023 European U22 medalist, and a 2024 European U22 medalist, will step between the ropes on day two of the 2025 National Elite Championships.

Two-time Olympian, 75kg Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea BC, Roscommon) has a walkover on Wednesday, and is through to Friday’s finals, while its Dublin against Dublin in the a men’s heavyweight clash of Paris Olympian Jack Marley (Monkstown Dublin) and Wayne Rafferty (Dublin Docklands). That bout is a re-run of the 2024 Elite final.  2024 European U22 bronze medalist, superheavy Martin McDonagh (Galway) takes on Samuel Ilesanmi (St Mary’s, Tallaght), and 2023 European U22 bronze medallist, Evelyn Igharo (Clann Naofa, Louth), contests her semi-final against Tiffany O’Reilly (Portlaoise BC/Defence Forces)

Opening Night Results

PRELIMS

67kg Cian Cramer (Cabra, Dublin) beat Jamie Long (Golden Gloves Mourne), 4-1

67kg Malo Davis (Monkstown Dublin) beat Anthony Malanaphy (Erne BC, Fermanagh), 5-0

QUARTER FINALS

60kg Rhys Owens (Erne BC, Fermanagh) beat Adam Kiely (Saviours Crystal, Waterford), 4-1

60kg Adam Hession (Monivea BC, Galway) beat Jordan Smith (Holy Family, Drogheda), 5-0

60kg Adam Sinnott (Rathnew BC, Wicklow) beat Bayo Alobi (Westside BC, Dublin), 5-0

63.5kg Jason Nevin (Olympic Mullingar, Westmeath) beat John Paul Hale (Star BC, Belfast), 5-0

63.5kg Aaron O’Donoghue (Golden Gloves, Cork beat Evan Fitzgerald (Esker, Dublin), 5-0

71kg Eugene McKeever (Holy Family, Drogheda) beat Matthew McCole (Illies GG, Donegal), 3-2

75kg   Taylor Guiney (St Mary’s Tallaght) V Feidhlem Behan (St Michael’s, Athy), 5-0

86kg   Shane Cunningham (Elite Cork) beat Kian Hedderman (St Francis BC, Limerick), 3-2

86kg   Robbie Olusola (Celtic Eagles, Galway) V Brian Kennedy (St Brigid’s Edenderry)

Day Two Programme.

Boxing begins at 6.30pm. All programmes are subject to change.

QUARTER FINALS

67kg   Joseph McArdle (Holy Trinity, Belfast) V Luke Hall (Olympic Mullingar)

67kg   Conor McCrory (Townland, Antrim) V Darren O’Connor (Olympic Galway)  

67kg   James McDonagh (St Pauls W) V Damien Creavin (Olympic Galway)

67kg   Cian Cramer (Cabra, Dublin) V Malo Davis (Monkstown Dublin)

SEMI FINALS

70kg   Evelyn Igharo (Clann Naofa, Louth) V Tiffany O’Reilly (Portlaoise/Defence Forces)

71kg   Wayne Kelly (Ballynacargy BC, Westmeath) V Darragh Gilroy (Fr Flanagan’s, Wicklow)

71kg   Jon McConnell (Holy Trinity, Belfast) V Eugene McKeever (Holy Family, Drogheda)

75kg   Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea, Roscommon), W/O

75kg   Gavin Rafferty (Dublin Docklands) V Jack Brady (Crumlin BC Dublin)

75kg   TJ King (Ballyboughal, Dublin) V Taylor Guiney (St Mary’s Tallaght)

86kg   Ryan Collins Murphy (St Monica’s BC Down) V Jason Clancy (Sean McDermott, Leitrim)

86kg   Shane Cunningham (Elite Cork) V Brian Kennedy (St Brigid’s Edenderry)

92kg   Jack Marley (Monkstown Dublin) V Wayne Rafferty (Dublin Docklands)

92kg   Nathan Ojo (Esker BC, Dublin) V James Clarke (Crumlin, Dublin)

92+kg Martin McDonagh (Galway)  V Samuel Ilesanmi (St Mary’s Tallaght)

Schedule

Wednesday, November 13th: boxing begins at 6.30pm. 

Thursday, November 14th: boxing begins at 6.30pm. 

Friday, November 15th: boxing begins at 5pm. 

Competition Arrangements

All draws are available here

Please be advised that, as per Article 46 of the IBA Technical and Competition rules, headguards are removed from Women’s Elite Competitions, this also includes our National Elite Championships. Pro-wraps are permitted. Boxers with pro-wraps hands must present them to an official, as directed by the National Registrar, for inspection before competing.

Boxers who enter the 2025 National Elite Championships but who cannot compete through injury will be required to furnish a medical statement of injury to the National Secretary Antoinette Fay McClean at mccleaniaba@gmail.com    

All boxers must contest in their club kit. International kit is not to be worn.

Weigh-ins and medicals are daily, on the day of boxing. Weigh-ins will take place, Tuesday to Friday, from 8am to 9am, and again from 12pm to 1pm.

Tickets

Tickets for all other days of boxing, November 12th to 14th, are available at the Box Office of the National Stadium. Finals tickets are available for pre-purchase on 085 131 1870

Preliminaries: Tuesday, November 12th – boxing begins at 6.30pm

Adults, €20

Under 14s: €5

Purchase: Tickets are available from the Box Office.

Quarter Finals: Wednesday, November 13th – boxing begins at 6.30pm

Adults, €20

Under 14s: €5

Purchase Tickets are available from the Box Office.

Semi Finals: Thursday, November 14th – boxing begins at 6.30pm

Adults, €20

Under 14s: €5

Purchase: Tickets are available from the Box Office.

Finals: Friday, November 15th – boxing begins at 5pm.

Ringside: €50

Angles: €40,

Gallery: Adults €30/Under 14s: €10

Pre-purchase by phone/from the Box Office

IABA is inviting clubs, who may be in a position to host in-person events to express their interest.

Events may include courses, workshops and seminars:

Coaching courses

Safeguarding courses

Coaching Teenage Girls workshops

S&C workshops

High Performance seminars

The space requirements vary, depending on the event type. For example, more floorspace is required for coaching courses and High Performance seminars than would be needed for Safeguarding courses or Coaching Teenage Girls workshops.

Clubs which have hosted in-person events in recent months include: Castlerea, Corpus Christi Limerick, Enniscorthy, Holy Trinity, Belfast, Holy Family, Drogheda, Mitchelstown, Northside, Oakleaf, Sacre Coeur, St. Catherine’s, St. Paul’s Waterford, Tralee and Tramore.

Any club which wishes to express an interest in hosting in-person events is invited to to do so here: https://shout.com/s/F4IEjwpo

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm on Friday, November 22nd.

Any club which requires additional information is invited to contact IABA Education and Training Officer, Nikki Foley via nicola@iaba.ie