TEAM IRELAND ARRIVE HOME FROM EURO SCHOOLBOYS

Team Ireland.

Team Ireland’s medal-laden squad arrived home for the European Schoolboy Championships in Zagreb,Croatia via Dublin Airport this morning.

William Hayden and Jason Myers claimed double gold on another proud afternoon for Irish boxing yesterday.

Cain Lewis, Francis Maughan, Jason Irwin and Patrick Collins returned with bronze from the 14th edition of the tournament.

Francis Maughan and Patrick Collins at today’s homecoming

“The entire squad performed magnificently and the boys did Irish boxing proud. We’re delighted to bring home six medals, said Irish team manager Paddy Gallagher.

“We might have faulted a few things in relation to the scoring in Zagreb, but one thing we couldn’t fault was the effort of the team. Each and every one of the boys left absolutely everything in the ring.”

European Schoolboy gold

Irish boxing has now secured 13 gold medals at this level since the 1st European Schoolboy Championships in Rome in 2013.

David Joyce claimed our first gold in Rome in 2003. Current WBA Super World featherweight champion Carl Frampton won silver on the same day.

Jason Myers and Cain Lewis

Thirteen athletes, Joyce, Willie O’Reilly, Stephen O’Reilly, Michael O’Reilly, Michael McDonagh, John Joyce, Oliver McCarthy, James McGivern, Michael Nevin, Aaron McKenna, Jordan Myers, William Hayden and Jason Myers have finished on top of their respective podium since the inaugural tournament in the Eternal City thirteen years ago.

William Hayden on the medals podium

The total haul for Irish boxing at the European Schoolboy Championships is 79 medals since Rome 2003.

“Congratulations to the Irish squad, coaches and staff on a magnificent tournament in Zagreb. Our young athletes have once again done Irish boxing proud in international competition,” said Pat Ryan, President of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association.

“The European Schoolboy Championships is the first step on the international pathway for our future Olympians.”