Ireland confirm team for World Championships
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) have confirmed a six-strong squad for the upcoming World Women’s Elite Championships in New Delhi.
The tournament begins in India on November 15th and Ireland will be represented by Ceire Smith, Michaela Walsh, Kelly Harrington, Amy Broadhurst, Grainne Walsh, and Aoife O’Rourke.
Cavan flyweight Smith makes her return to major international competitions after two years out.
Belfast feather Walsh will be looking to medal at her fourth consecutive major tournament.
Dublin lightweight Harrington is the only previous World medallist on the team following her light welterweight silver in 2016 which saw her become the first woman after Katie Taylor to claim a podium finish at the Worlds.
European U22 gold medallist and former underage star Broadhurst steps up to light welter where she won the English Elite title earlier this year.
Offaly welter Walsh made a big impression at the last Worlds and will be looking to go, at least, one further this time around and get amongst the medals.
Finally there is Roscommon middleweight O’Rourke who claimed European U22 silver earlier this year and whose sister Lisa won European Junior silver earlier this month.
Ireland’s Elite champions at light fly (Shannon Sweeney), bantam (Lauren Hogan), and heavyweight (Nell Fox) miss out, as does light welterweight champ Joanne Lambe. O’Rourke won the light heavy crown back in February but subsequently stepped down to midde.
The six-strong team are currently in Germany training with the host nation, Greece, Great Britain, Sweden and USA at the German Olympic and Paralympic Sport Centre in Kienbaum.
Seeding will be in operation at the 10th edition of the tournament which should be of benefit to Harrington and the Walshes.
Irish squad
51kg Ceire Smith (Virginia)
57kg Michaela Walsh (Monkstown)
60kg Kelly Harrington (St Mary’s)
64kg Amy Broadhurt (Dealgan)
69kh Grainne Walsh (Sparticus)
75kg Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea)
Coaches: Zaur Antia & Dmitry Dimitruk
