The draw has taken place in Ostrava for the 2025 European U19 Championships – 105 female and 189 male boxers from 33 nations are competiting.

The participating nations are: Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.

The tournament, the first ever European U19 benchmark competition, will take place at the Černá Louka Arena in Ostrava, in the Czech Republic/Czechia from September 30th to October 9th. Preliminaries and quarter finals will be boxed September 30th to October 5th. Monday, October 6th will be a rest day, and all semi-finals will be boxed across the 7th and 8th. Finals will take place from 3pm on Sunday, October 9th. All afternoon sessions will begin at 1pm, Irish time, and all evening sessions will get underway at 5pm.

Team Ireland’s preparations have included a 6 week bloc of squad training, and a mulit-day sparring camp with the England Boxing U19 squad at the GB Olympic Training Centre in Sheffield.

48kg Chloe Cox, of Setanta BC, Co. Kildare has a bye opens her account at quarter final stage against Azerbaijan’s Naisrli Banuchichak on October 4th. 50kg Kurt Kinsella of Monkstown BC Dublin also takes on Azerbaijani opposition in his opening contest. He begins at Last 16 stage in a division of 15 boxers, contesting against Bilalhabasi Nazarov on October 1st.

51kg Kayleigh Byrne of Gorey BC, Co. Wexford is first in action on October 1st in a Last 16 bout against Turkey’s Emine Kilinc. 55kg Michael Reilly of St. Paul’s BC, Co. Waterford has a bye to the Last 16, and contests his first bout against Yanko Metodiev Illiev of Bulgaria. 57kg Grace Conway, of Tredagh BC, Co. Louth is in Last 16 action against Italy’s Martina di Felice on October 1st.

60kg Sean McCusker of Dealgan BC, Co. Louth opens his campaign on Tuesday, against England – likewise 65kg John Donoghue of Olympic BC, Co. Westmeath against Albania. 70kg Katelyn Butler of St. Colman’s BC Co. Cork begins her tournament at quarter finals level, against Ukraine’s Anastasiia Taran on October 4th.

Team Co-Captain 70kg Patrick Kelly of St. Abban’s/Kilmyshall BC Co. Wexford is in action on the opening day of the tournament on Tuesday against Romania – also in action tomorrow is 75kg Jason Whelan of Dublin Docklands BC. 75kg Nessa Tabachuk of Celtic Eagles BC, Co. Galway has a bye to the semi finals and will come home with at least a bronze medal. She first be in action on October 8th, taking on the winner of the meeting between Italy and Poland.

85kg Chulainn McDonnell of Whitechurch BC, Dublin is in Last 16 action on October 3rd against Greece’s Ioannis Poumpouridis – while 90kg Shay O’Dowd of Swords BC Dublin is in action in the Last 16 on the same day against Buglaria’s Genadiev Roselin Bachevski.

Draws

Day One

Four Team Ireland boxers are in action on the opening day in Ostrava

70kg Team Co-Captain Patrick Kelly opens his account against Romania’s Daniel Adrian Grigorie in Bout 6 of Ring A’s Afternoon Session. Over in Ring B in the same session, 60kg Sean McCusker meets England’s Isaac Suwit Huczmann in Bout 3.

65kg John Donoghue is in action in Bout 3 of Ring A’s Evening Session, against Albania’s Juren Lazri. While 75kg Jason Whelan begins his campaign in Bout 2 Ring B’s Evening Session against Brendon Berki of Hungary.

Tomorrow’s Afternoon Session beginst at 1pm, and the Evening Session starts at 5pm.

Programme

Watch Live

Team Ireland

48kg Chloe Cox, Setanta BC, Co. Kildare

50kg Kurt Kinsella, Monkstown BC Dublin

51kg Kayleigh Byrne, Gorey BC, Co. Wexford

55kg Michael Reilly. St. Paul’s BC, Co. Waterford

57kg Grace Conway, Tredagh BC, Co. Louth

60kg Sean McCusker, Dealgan BC, Co. Louth

65kg John Donoghue, Olympic BC, Co. Westmeath

70kg Katelyn Butler, St. Colman’s BC Co. Cork

70kg Patrick Kelly, St. Abban’s/Kilmyshall BC Co. Wexford

75kg Nessa Tabachuk, Celtic Eagles BC, Co. Galway

75kg Jason Whelan, Dublin Docklands BC

85kg Chulainn McDonnell, Whitechurch BC, Dublin

90kg Shay O’Dowd, Swords BC Dublin

Support staff:

Team Manager: Jennifer O’Sullivan, Sliabh Luachra BC, Kerry

Coaches: Liam Cunningham, Saints ABC, Belfast; Ralph McKay, St. Paul’s BC, Belfast; Aoife Hennigan. Swinford BC, Co. Mayo; Garry Keogh, Marble City BC, Co. Kilkenny

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) will hold an international U23 round robin in Belfast as part of preparations for the World Boxing European U23 Championships in Hungary in November.

Team Ireland has named a 16 strong team (below) is comprised of 2025 National U23 champions, and includes World bronze medalist Patsy Joyce, World Boxing Championship boxer Louis Rooney – who was a 2024 European U23 champ, 2024 European U23 bronze medalist, Robyn Kelly, World Youth champions Cliona Darcy (2022), and Adam Olaniyan, 2024 European Youth champion, Ava Henry and 2022 European Junior champion Tadgh O’Donnell. The team includes boxers from 9 counties: Antrim (1), Dublin (7), Down (1), Galway (1), Loais (1), Mayo (1), Meath (1), Westmeath (2) and Wicklow (1)

National U23 teams from Hungary and England, and an Ulster Select, will go up against Team Ireland in 5 sessions of boxing across October 9^th to 11^th, at the Girdwood Community Hub Belfast.

A round robin is an international tournament where each competing team fights every other team, ensuring a comprehensive test of skill and strategy. The last round-robin to take place in Ireland was held in the National Stadium in 2017.

High Performance Director Jon Mackey says “Development opportunities like this are vital for the progression of Irish boxing, and this round robin is a key part of Team Ireland’s preparations for the inaugural World Boxing European U23 Championships. We have a strong team, and pre-championship competition against teams like Hungary, England and an Ulster Select will only serve to further enhance preparations.” And, Jon adds “ We’re delighted to be back in Belfast, after June’s National Elite Competition. The Girdwood is a superb venue and Belfast City Council’s support is invaluable – as is that of the Ulster Boxing Council led by Kevin Duffy and the Antrim County Board, led by Paddy Barnes.  Our thanks, also to Central Council, led by President Anto Donnelly and the Officer Board, for their ongoing support.

IABA President, Anto Donnelly, says “This has been an exceptional year for boxer development through internationals across the Association. We have welcomed teams from Wales, France and India to compete at Youth internationals, a team from Austria at Elite level, and now Hungary, England and an Ulster Select. Hosting seven internationals in six months across two critical age categories speaks to how committed we are to getting Irish Boxing to top of international podiums. These internationals are also impossible without the contribution and expertise of volunteers at club level and also officials at weigh-ins, Referees and Judges, as technical officials. I thank each and every one of them for their dedication”

Ulster President, Kevin Duffy says ”We are thrilled to welcome Team Ireland, Hungary and England to Belfast what will be a truly momentous occasion for Belfast and for Irish sport. I’m also looking forward to cheering on the Ulster Select as they step between the ropes against national teams. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone, celebrating the strength, talent, and dedication of Ireland’s finest amateur boxers on a stage that reflects the passion and pride of Belfast’s boxing heritage. As a city long known for producing champions and fostering a deep love for the sport, it is an honour to welcome national teams as they prepare for the European U23 Championships . We extend a warm welcome to all athletes, coaches, and supporters, and look forward to witnessing an unforgettable showcase of skill, spirit, and sportsmanship. Thank you to Paddy Barnes, President of the Antrim Boxing Board and Liam Corr for helping to secure this event and we look forward to working in partnership with Central Council to ensure this truly is a memorable sporting occasion.”

Antrim President, Paddy Barnes Snr. ‘This round robin represents another great event for boxing in Belfast and one we are privileged to host in our great city. Belfast has a rich boxing history with over half of Irelands Olympic boxing medals (9) coming from Belfast, we hope to see the next batch of potential Olympic medalists on show. With support from the Belfast City Council and or Belfast Boxing Strategy, we can’t wait to host this historic event”

Schedule

Thursday, Oct 9^th |Session 1: 12pm to 3pm – Schools Session

Thursday, Oct 9^th |Session 2: 6pm to 9pm

Friday, Oct 10^th |Session 1: 5pm to 10pm

Saturday, Oct 11^th |Session 1: 12pm to 4pm

Venue

The Girdwood Community Hub is at 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast, BT14 6EG, here

Tickets

Tickets are available on the door, and are priced at £5 for children and £10 for adults

Children go free in Thursday’s Schools Session

Team Ireland

48kg Tiffany Spencer, Jobstown BC, Dublin
51kg Rachel Lawless, St. Brigid’s BC, Offaly.
54kg Robyn Kelly, Ballynacargy Boxing Club, Westmeath
57kg Natalia Fascizewska, Castlebar BC, Mayo
60kg Rebecca Kavanagh, Mulhuddart BC, Dublin
65kg Ava Henry, Dublin Docklands BC
80+kg Cliona D’Arcy, Tobar Pheadair BC, Galway
50kg Louis Rooney, Star ABC, Belfast
55kg Pasty Joyce, Olympic BC, Westmeath
60kg Gavin Ryan, Ratoath BC, Meath
65kg Roy Colgan, Avona BC, Dublin
75kg Tadgh O’Donnell, Four Kings BC, Wicklow
80kg James Whelan, Dublin Docklands BC
85kg Sean Trant, Monkstown BC, Dublin
90kg Garyn McAllister, North Down BC, Down
90+kg Adam Olaniyan, Jobstown BC, Dublin

Make sure your voice is heard!

The IABA is developing a new brand identity in partnership with Branding Sport, and we would like your help.

We would ask you to take a few minutes to think about, and answer the questions in our anonymous survey – which is open to boxers, coaches, elected officials at club, county, provincial and national level, R&Js, parents/guardians and spectators

The survey is HERE

Members of the boxing community are invited to stay informed about the project and get involved in upcoming opportunities to contribute by subscribing to the IABA’s new weekly newsletter, The Round Up. You can read the latest edition of The Round Up here

The AGM of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association will take place at 10:30am or shortly thereafter, on Saturday, October 11th at the Girdwood Community Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast BT146EG. Notice is duly given.

The agenda, in full, is available here

As shared with all clubs and units directly on September 22nd, member clubs are invited to submit motions on company matters to info@iaba.ie by 5pm on Friday, September 26^th. Any motions not on company matters cannot proceed to the AGM. Member clubs are reminded that a Boxing Congress, which will deal exclusively with boxing matters, will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Boxing Congress is the appropriate forum for boxing matters.

Letter from the Chair

IABA Board of Directors Chair, Niall O’Carroll, is sharing this letter with all members, clubs, county boards and provincial units. This sets out the rationale for the Ordinary Resolution before the members, and shares information on a the Boxing Congress which will give every member of every club the opportunity to debate, exchange ideas and elevate our sport.

Ordinary Resolution

“That, on foot of the overwhelming vote (99%)  at the EGM to join World boxing that the members resolve that it is for the good of boxing in Ireland to disaffiliate with the International Boxing Association (IBA) and to affiliate solely with World Boxing and to give effect to same in the Rules and administration documents in IABA.”

Annual Report and Financial Statement

Registration

All clubs successfully affiliated for the 2025/2026 season are entitled to attend the AGM, and may send two delegates – one to be voting, and one non-voting delegate.  

Delegates nominated by clubs must verified members – this means they must be included in the club’s affiliation application, through Blocworx, for the 2025/2026 season as members and be over the age of 18. *Please note, delegates will be required to present photographic identification (passport, drivers’ licence, etc) on the day of the AGM. Registration will close at 2pm on Thursday October 9th.

Successfully affiliated clubs may register here: https://shout.com/s/XZpp2Msp

A 16-strong team has been named to contest the inaugural World Boxing European U23 Championships.

The team is comprised of 2025 National U23 champions, and includes World bronze medalist Patsy Joyce, World Boxing Championship boxer Louis Rooney – who was a 2024 European U23 champ, 2024 European U23 bronze medalist, Robyn Kelly, World Youth champions Cliona Darcy (2022), and Adam Olaniyan, 2024 European Youth champion, Ava Henry and 2022 European Junior champion Tadgh O’Donnell

The team includes boxers from 9 counties: Antrim (1), Dublin (8), Down (1), Galway (1), Loais (1), Mayo (1), Meath (1), Westmeath (2) and Wicklow (1)

High Performance Director, Jon Mackey, says “This is a high potential team, a third of whom have achieved podium finishes at underage level on the European and World stages. This team begin their pre-competition bloc of training this week, and will receive international competition experience as part of their preparations.”

Jon adds “Competition at U23 level is a vital step in bridging the gap between Youth and Elite levels, providing developing boxers with a platform to hone and test their skills. For many members of the team, it’s their introduction to formal High Performance process and culture and the first time they have had Sport Science Medicine practitioners and services to augment their boxing technical training. There’s an exciting 8 weeks ahead.”

Preparation

The team have begun a 10 week bloc of training at the High Performance Unit on the Sport Ireland Campus.

The team’s preparations will include a 3 day international Round Robin with an Ulster Select, England and Hungary, in October.

European Championships

The tournament is taking place in Budapest, Hungary, from November 21st to 30th.

The draw, which sets out the path to the podium for each boxer in a given weight category, will take place on the afternoon of November 22nd. Two rings will be in operation at Bok Sports Hall until the semi-final stage.

Preliminary rounds, including quarter finals, will be boxed from November 23rd to 26th. Thursday November 27th is a rest day, semi finals will be boxed on November 28th- and all finals will take place on November 29th.

It is expected that the championships will be live-streamed.

Team Ireland

48kg Tiffany Spencer, Jobstown BC, Dublin
51kg Rachel Lawless, St. Brigid’s BC, Offaly.
54kg Robyn Kelly, Ballynacargy Boxing Club, Westmeath
57kg Natalia Fascizewska, Castlebar BC, Mayo
60kg Rebecca Kavanagh, Mulhuddart BC, Dublin
65kg Ava Henry, Dublin Docklands BC
80+kg Cliona D’Arcy, Tobar Pheadair BC, Galway
50kg Louis Rooney, Star ABC, Belfast
55kg Pasty Joyce, Olympic BC, Westmeath
60kg Gavin Ryan, Ratoath BC, Meath
65kg Roy Colgan, Avona BC, Dublin
75kg Tadgh O’Donnell, Four Kings BC, Wicklow
80kg James Whelan, Dublin Docklands BC
85kg Sean Trant, Monkstown BC, Dublin
90kg Garyn McAllister, North Down BC, Down
90+kg Adam Olaniyan, Jobstown BC, Dublin