Ireland team for Poland International
.Ireland have named an eleven-strong squad for their international match with Poland later this month.
The team will take on the Poles in Kielce on Saturday September 22nd.
A top young team, it features numerous medalists and champions.
At light fly, Illies GG youngster Darryl Moran returns from injury. The U22 champion and Elite Senior runner-up suffered a freak hand injury the night before he was due to travel to the European U22s and makes his return here.
Intermediate champion and Elite Senior runner-up Thomas McCarthy is in at flyweight. The Cork boxer turned down numerous pro offers during the Summer and will look to kickstart his Tokyo Olympic dream in the coming months.
At bantamweight there is a call-up for Intermediate champ Tommy Casey, nephew of Limerick fighters Willie and Myles.
Belfast lightweight Gerard Matthews makes his Irish debut. The St Paul’s southpaw was Ulster champion in 2014.
At light welter Wayne Kelly returns to Poland. The Elite Senior runner-up had a big win on a show in Warsaw back in June, taking the boxer of the night award as well, and will be looking for something similar here.
Elite Senior champion and European bronze medalist Dean Walsh will look to continue his development into the welterweight class.
Two middleweights will be sent to Eastern Europe, with decorated underage duo Michael Nevin and John Joyce both being picked.
At light heavy, Ireland will be represented by Elite Senior runner-up Tony Browne.
World University Championships bronze medalist and Elite Senior runner-up Ken Okungbowa takes the 91kg spot.
Finally, at super heavyweight, Elite Senior champion Martin Keenan rounds off the team.
The squad have two training sessions lined up for the St Catherine’s BC in Marrowbone Lane, Dublin 8 on September 9th, before flying out on September 20th.
Sessions begin at 10.30am and 2pm.
Irish Squad v Poland
49kg Daryl Moran (Illies GG)
52kg Thomas McCarthy (Mayfield BC)
56kg Tommy Casey (St Francis)
60kg Gerard Matthews (St Paul’s Antrim)
64kg Wayne Kelly (Ballynacargy)
69kg Dean Walsh (St Ibars)
75kg John Joyce (St Michael’s Athy)
75kg Michael Nevin (Portlaoise)
81kg Tony Brown (St Michael’s,Dublin)
91kg Ken Okungbowa (Athlone)
91-kg Martin Keenan (Rathkeale)
Team Manager: Tony Davis (Ardagh Cross)
Coaches: Damien McKenna (Holy Family), Eamonn Duffy (Illies GG), Donal Walsh (St Ibars)
R&J: Jimmy Sweeney (Olympic)
