Team NI have claimed an historic 5 gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games finals in Birmingham.

Boxing is Northern Ireland’s most successful sport at the Commonwealths with 61 medals, including 13 golds, 19 silvers and 29 bronze medal bronze, prior to the 2022 games. Today, that tally rose to 18 golds, 20 silver and 30 bronze, respectively.

The day began dramatically, with news that Jude Gallagher’s opponent in the 57kg final, Ghana’s Joseph Commey, would not contest the bout. Jude was awarded gold.

The first Team NI bout to be boxed was the meeting of 2018 CWG silver medallist, Carly McNaul, and reigning 50kg World Champion, India’s Nihat Nihat. Carly, of Ormeau Road BC, put in a valiant performance. The World no. 5 ranked boxer came away with silver, following a 5-0 scoreline.

Dylan Eagleson, of St. Paul’s BC, contested his final against Abraham Mensah of Ghana. Dylan, a European U22 bronze medallist and European silver medallist, was behind 4-1 on the scorecards after the first round, but made the bout his, returning a 5-0 decision win, and claiming gold. Dylan, speaking to Birmingham 2022, says “To get a silver at the Europeans and now a gold here is beyond my dreams. I can’t believe it has come so quickly. I was 4-1 down with the judges after the first round, so I knew what I had to do. I picked up my pace and I think I delivered in the second and third rounds. The judges thought so too. I had to change things and I managed to do so. I worked him out a little. I thought I deserved it. I had to adjust but I found a way to win.”

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, Emerald BC’s Aidan Walsh, met Tiago Osorio Muxanga of Mozambique in the 71kg final and turned in a masterful performance, winning a 5-0 decision and gold. Aidan, speaking to Birmingham 2022 after his win said “: “The coaches we have in Northern Ireland have been the key to all this success. The coaching is brilliant. It is very professional and of course you have to have the boxers to reach the top, but really the coaching is what has made all the difference.”

63kg World Champion, Amy Broadhurst, contesting the Commonwealth Games at 60kg, met home boxer, Gemma Richardson, in one of the most anticipated bouts of the day. Amy was dominated and decisive from the off, and returned with a UD and gold. Richardson was twice deducted points. This Amy’s first time contesting the Games.

The final Team NI boxer between the ropes in Birmingham today was Olympian, Michaela Walsh. Michaela made history after winning her quarter final, becoming the first boxer to medal at 3 Commonwealth Games – 2014, 2018, and 2022. Michaela’s previous medals are silver and she looked to up-grade to gold today – and did just that against Elizabeth Oshoba of Nigeria, with a 5-0 decision. Speaking to Birmingham 2022, Michaela said “Seeing him (brother, Aidan) win his gold is more special than me winning mine. He’s my baby brother and to see him achieve his dream is what I have dreamed of myself. “It’s phenomenal. The whole family was (proud). I have no words for it.”

Wales Rosie Eccles, who got the win over Eireann Nugent, went on today to claim 70kg gold – so, too, did Nihat Nihat of India, who got the decision over Nicole Clyde in the 48kg quarter final.

Team NI was led by Performance Lead, John Conlan, Head Coach Damian Kennedy and coaches Liam Corr, Rory McShane and Jay Delaney. The team was supported by Physiologist, Damian Martin, Physiotherapist Lorcan McGee, and Ulster High Performance Administrator, Aimee Shiels.

Team NI’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games included a 12 day 10 nation camp, which it hosted in Belfast, contesting the Eindhoven Box Cup, a training camp and test matches in Italy and weeks of intense squad training at the team’s base, supported by training in each boxer’s club.

Team NI Performance Lead, John Conlan, says “Northern Ireland has a remarkable track record at the Commonwealth Games. Members of this team have contested strongly at European and World level already this year. Our boxers were ready to make their mark in Birmingham, and they made that mark in style.”

Team Ireland High Performance Head Coach, Zauri Antia, says “This is an historic result from an incredibly strong team. Team NI, its coaches, club coaches and boxers should be extremely proud of the entire team’s performance throughout the games, which is testament to the weeks and months of preparations leading up to Birmingham.”

N.I Commonwealth Team:

48kg Nicole Clyde, Antrim BC – Quarter Finalist

50kg Carly McNaul, Ormeau Rd BC – Silver medallist

51kg Clepson Paiva, Holy Trinity BC– Quarter Finalist

54kg Dylan Eagleson, St. Paul’s BC– Gold medallist

57kg Michaela Walsh, Emerald BC- Gold medallist

57kg Jude Gallagher, Two Castles BC– Gold medallist

60kg Amy Broadhurst, St. Bronagh’s BC– Gold medallist

63.5kg JP Hale, Star ABC

67kg Eugene McKeever, Holy Family BC, Drogheda

70kg Eireann Nugent, Immaculata BC– Bronze medallist

71kg Aidan Walsh, Emerald BC– Gold medallist

75kg Jake Tucker, Emerald BC

Performance Lead: John Conlan

Head Coach: Damian Kennedy

Coaches:

Liam Corr

Rory McShane

Jay Delaney

Support Team

Damian Martin

Lorcan McGee

A 29 strong team of Junior Cadets has departed today to contest the 2022 European Schools Championships.

The tournament is being hosted by the Turkish Boxing Federation in Erzurum, from August 10^th to 21^st.

The team is comprised of 13 female boxers, and 16 male boxers, all aged 13 and 14.

This is the first time these boxers will represent their country in international competition, although some Junior Cadets will have experienced international competition or training camps through their club, county board or provincial unit.

Team Ireland Squad:

34-36kg Ellen Winnie Joyce, Olympic L, Co. Westmeath

38kg Carley O’Herron, Rochfordbridge BC, Co. Westmeath

40kg Elma Barry, Setanta L, Co. Kildare

42kg Abbey Molloy, Sacred Heart BC, Dublin.

44kg Lauren Doherty Crinnion, Fr. Horgan’s, Co. Cork

46kg Alanna O’Brien, Setanta L, Co. Kildare

48kg Mary Furlong, Na Fianna BC, Co. Wexford

51kg Donna Marie McCarthy, Mayfield BC, Co. Cork

54kg Robyn Charlie Carlyle, Crumlin BC, Dublin

57kg Faith Kileen, Jobstown BC, Dublin

60kg Cassie May Henderson, Gilford ABC, Co. Armagh

64kg Alannah Kenny, Clonmel BC, Co. Tipperary

70kg Chloe Louise Poleon, Dunboyne BC, Co. Meath

37-40kg Kalib Walshe, Wexford CBS, Co. Wexford

42kg Lochlainn Michael Beagan , Sean Doran’s BC, Co.

44kg Danial Joyce, Elite Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

46kg James Michael Casey, Sliabh Luchra BC, Co. Kerry

48kg Christian Doyle, Olympic L, Co. Westmeath

50kg Brandon Geoghegan, Sacred Heart, Dublin

52kg Cian Michael Stapleton, Marble City BC, Co. Kilkenny

54kg Danny John Mahon, Fr. Flanagan’s BC, Co, Kildare

57kg John (Daniel Maher) O’Donoghue, Olympic L, Co. Westmeath

60kg Edward Harty, Portloaise BC, Co. Laois

63kg Broderick Adbuire, Jobstown BC, Dublin

66kg Rocco Dempsey, Avona BC, Dublin

70kg John Paul Mongans, Rathkeale BC, Co. Limerick

75kg Callum Francis Barrett, Olympic C, Co. Galway

The Team Captains are John O’Donoghue of Olympic L and Cassie Henderson of Gilford ABC.

Team Managers: Gus Farrell and Jennifer O ‘Sullivan Coffey

Coaches

Amanda Spencer

Lynn McEnery

Brian Barry

Jeff Fitzgerald

R&J: Mal Scott

The EUBC is expected to live-stream the tournament on its YouTube channel, but confirmation is expected closer to the competition

There are 4 days remaining to register to attend the IABA’s EGM:

Time: 5.30pm, or shortly thereafter

Date: August 13th

Location: The National Stadium, Dublin

Eligibility: All clubs who have submitted affiliations for the 2022/2023 season by June 30th are eligible to attend

Attendees: Eligible clubs may nominate any two adult members to attend as delegates – one to be a voting delegate, one to be a 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 2022/2023 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 EGM.  

Registration:  here

Please note, the registration system will issue a confirmation email, indicating that “1 X ticket” has been secured. This single email confirms registration of the voting delegate, and the non-voting delegate, if a club elects to send two members to the EGM. Clubs don’t need to undertake separate registrations for each of their delegates.

Closing date for registration: 12:00 (noon), Thursday, August 11^th

The purpose of this EGM is to consider the following motion:

Motion 1:

“That Articles 5 and 73(e) of the Articles of Association of the Company Constitution be amended to replace the word “State” with “Island of Ireland.”

Passing of this proposed motion by members will not mean that all AGM and EGM will take place in in Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Tyrone and Fermanagh. Passing of the motion means that AGM and EGM may take place in these locations. Should the motion be passed by members, the custom and practice of holding such meetings in Provincial Units on a rotating basis is intended to continue.

Any questions which your club might wish to raise at the EGM concerning the proposed motion or any other matter, should be submitted in advance of the EGM, either by post care of The Company Secretary to The National Stadium, 145 South Circular Road, Dublin 8, or by email to info@iaba.ie no later than Monday, 8th August at 17:00 pm. This will facilitate us in providing the fullest response to any queries at the EGM.

6 Team NI will contest Sunday’s Commonwealth Games finals in Birmingham’s NEC Hall 4, following today’s semi-final bouts.

70kg Eireann Nugent, of Immaculata BC, was the first boxer between the ropes. She is contesting her first tournament in 11 years, and took on tough opposition in Rosie Eccles of Wales. Eireann boxed valiantly, but the 5-0 decision went to her opponent on a scoreline of 25:30, 25:30, 25: 30, 26:30, 25:30. Eireann comes home with bronze.

Next up was World No. 5, and 2018 Gold Coast Games silver medallist, Carly McNaul. She boxed Uganda’s Teddy Nakimuli and was dominant from the off, claiming her final berth on a scorecard of: 30:24, 30:25, 30:25, 30: 25, 30: 24. Carly, of Ormeau Road BC, meets Zareen Nikat of India in her final on Sunday at 2:30pm.

Reignig European U22 bronze medallist and European silver medallist, Dylan Eagleson of St. Paul’s BC met Scotland’s Matthew McHale in the bantamweight semi – Dylan won through to his final on a 3-2 split: 29:28, 28:29, 28:29, 27:30, 29:28. He takes on Abraham Mensah of Ghana in tomorrow’s final at 2.45pm.

Reigning 63kg World Champion, Amy Broadhurst of St. Bronagh’s ABC, contesting the Commonwealth Games at 60kg, boxed Cynthia Ogunsemilore in her semi final, and knocked her opponent down in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Judges scored the bout: 30: 24, 30: 26, 30: 26, 30:27, 30: 24. Amy meets Gemma Richardson of England in Sunday’s final at 4:15pm.

Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist, and 2018 Gold Coast Games silver medallist, Aidan Walsh, contested his semi final against Garan Croft of Wales and came away with the 4-1 split decision win: 30:27, 30:27, 27:30, 30:27, 29: 28. The Emerald BC boxer contests his final against Tiago Osorio Muxanga of Mozambique on Sunday at 3:45pm.

57kg Jude Gallagher, of Two Castles BC, to date the busiest Team NI boxer in the tournament, was scheduled to box his semi-final against Canada’s Keoma-Ali AL-Ahmadieh. The Canadian boxer gave a walkover, and Jude progresses to tomorrow’s final, where he’ll meet Ghana’s Joseph Commey at 7:00pm.

Record-breaking Michaela Walsh, now a 3 time Commonwealth Games medallist, won the right to up-grade her hardware in her semi-final today. The Emerald BC boxer, featherweight 5th in the world, met South Africa’s Phiwokuhle Sbusisiwe Mguni and was the 5-0 winner: 27:30, 27:30, 27:30, 26:30, 27: 30. Her final, against Elizabeth Oshoba of Nigeria, takes place at 7pm.

Medal ceremonies will take place after every bout, and are factored in to the programme.

Team NI Commonwealth Games Finals Schedule:

2:30pm: 50kg Carly McNaul V Zareen Nikat of India

2:45pm: 54kg Dylan Eagleson V Abraham Mensah of Ghana

3:45pm: 71kg Aidan Walsh V Tiago Osorio Muxanga of Mozambique

4:15pm: 60kg Amy Broadhurst V Gemma Richardson of England

7:00pm: 57kg Jude Gallagher V Joseph Commey of Ghana

7:15pm: 57kg Michaela Walsh V Elizabeth Oshoba of Nigeria.

All tournament reports, reports and schedules are available here

N.I Commonwealth Team:

48kg Nicole Clyde, Antrim BC – Quarter Finalist

50kg Carly McNaul, Ormeau Rd BC – Finalist

51kg Clepson Paiva, Holy Trinity BC– Quarter Finalist

54kg Dylan Eagleson, St. Paul’s BC– Finalist

57kg Michaela Walsh, Emerald BC- Finalist

57kg Jude Gallagher, Two Castles BC– Finalist

60kg Amy Broadhurst, St. Bronagh’s BC– Finalist

63.5kg JP Hale, Star ABC

67kg Eugene McKeever, Holy Family BC, Drogheda

70kg Eireann Nugent, Immaculata BC– Bronze medallist

71kg Aidan Walsh, Emerald BC– Finalist

75kg Jake Tucker, Emerald BC

Performance Lead: John Conlan

Head Coach: Damian Kennedy

Coaches:

Liam Corr

Rory McShane

Jay Delaney

Support Team

Damian Martin

Lorcan McGee

Day two of boxing in the 2022 National Youth Championships took place at the National Stadium, Dublin, today. 20 bouts were completed:

Preliminaries:

1. 63.5kg John P McDonagh (St Pauls W) 4-1 Ronan Love (The Loup)

2. 63.5kg Conor McCrory (Townland) W/O

3. 63.5kg James O’Loughlin (Olympic C) 4-1 Brogan McComiskey (Gilford)

4. 63.5kg Jakub Pielisz (Midleton) 2-3 Cody O’Reilly (Portlaoise

5. 63.5kg Saba Tkevuchava (Enniskerry) 3-2 Malo Davis (Monkstown D)

6. 63.5kg Luke Hall (Olympic L) 4-1 Drew Fitzpatrick (Gleann)

7. 63.5kg Josh Tumama (Docklands) W/O

8. 63.5kg Patrick McTigue (Knockmore/Fox) 0-5 Josh McDonagh (Sean McDermott)

9. 67kg David Blaney (Navan) 5-0 Richard Phiri (Celtic Eagles)

10. 67kg Gianni Richmond (Cairn Lodge) 3-2 Bernie Lawrence (Holy Family L)

11. 67kg Christopher Joyce (Cabra) 2-3 Cole Byrne (Rathnew)

12. 67kg Tiernan Conwell (Raphoe) W/O

13. 67kg Jake Daly (Castlebar) 0-5 James Donovan (O.L.O.L.)

14. 67kg Wayne Joyce (Ballyboughal) 3-2 Tom Cash (Portlaoise)

15. 67kg Michael McCarthy (Urlingford) 1-4 Cian Cramer (Cabra)

16. 67kg Charles McDonagh (Gleann) 5-0 Billy Moran (St Pauls W)

Semi Finals:

17. 52kg Connie Gibbons (St Bronaghs) 0-5 Robyn Murran (St Brigids Kildare)

18. 57kg Rebecca Kavanagh (Mulhuddart) W/O

19. 63kg Jennifer Sheehy (Spartan M) 0-5 Winnie McDonagh (Neilstown)

20. 66kg Emma Harding (Nutgrove) W/O

Boxing in this competition resumes on Friday, August 12th, at 7pm: