Team Ireland hit by injury setback ahead of European Championships

The Irish team have been dealt a blow before they have even stepped onto the plane for next week’s European Women’s Championships in Sofia.

Flyweight Donna Barr suffered a hand injury recently while sparring in camp at the Sheffield Institute of Sport with the rest of the Irish team.

The Twin Towns ABC boxer has dislocated a thumb and fractured a bone in her hand, leaving her on the sidelines for twelve weeks.

Alongside the championships in Bulgaria, the Strabane fighter will most likely miss next year’s Senior Elite Championships.

Due to the lateness of the injury, it is unlikely that the IABA will call up a replacement.

23 year old Barr, who had moved up flyweight for the tournament, remains positive following the injury, telling Chris McNulty of Donegal Sports Hub that “everything happens for a reason. I’m still young and have plenty to work towards.”

Seven fighters will still head out to South East Europe next week
48kg Lauren Hogan (St.Brigids Edenderry)
54kg Dervla Duffy (Mulhuddart)
57kg Moira McElliggot (St Michael’s Athy)
60kg Shauna O’Keeffe (Clonmel)
64kg Kellie Harrington (Glasnevin)
69kg Grainne Walsh (Sparticus)
75kg Christina Desmond (Fr Horgans)