Women’s Elite World Championships – IRISH TEAM PROFILES
Ireland are in India right now for the Women’s Elite World Championships Championships.
The biggest tournament in women’s boxing runs across the next two weeks with the six-strong Irish team being one of 73 nations featuring in New Delhi.
Ireland have a strong history in the tournament having featured in seven previous editions – with five golds and a bronze from Katie Taylor and a silver from Kelly Harrington.
Boxing has already begun in the Indian capital with Ireland kicking off their campaign tomorrow
The draw for the tournament can be seen HERE
Below Irish-Boxing.com profiles the Irish team
48kg – Light Flyweight
None
A non-Olympic weight, no Irish light fly has been sent. Shannon Sweeney from the St Anne’s Club in Mayo is the reigning Irish champion while Belfast’s Kristina O’Hara won Commonwealth silver earlier this year
51kg – Flyweight
Céire Smith
Virginia BC
26
Honours: Irish Elite Champion (2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010)
The Cavan fly is back at a major tournament following two years away. In this time, Smith has studied abroad but returned late last year and has looked impressive domestically with big wins over Carly McNaul and Niamh Early.
48kg – Bantamweight
None
A non-Olympic weight, no Irish bantam has been sent. Lauren Hogan from the St Brigid’s Club in Edenderry is the reigning Irish champion.
57kg – Featherweight
Michaela Walsh
Monkstown, Belfast
25
Honours: European Union gold (2017), European bronze (2018), Commonwealth Games silver (2018, 2014), World Youth bronze (2011), European Youth bronze (2010), Irish Elite Champion (2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011)
Looking to make it four major medals in four tournaments, the talented and increasingly well-rounded Walsh has come into her own following her Rio Olympic heartbreak and is now one of the country’s most consistently achieving sportspeople
60kg – Lightweight
Kelly Harrington
St Michael’s, Dublin
28
Honours: World silver (2016), European bronze (2018), European Union silver (2017), Irish Elite Senior Champion (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010)
Two years on from her light welterweight silver which made the general sporting public sit up and take notice, Harrington is back at the World Championships. The switch-hitter has shown consistent improvement since and, like Walsh, is a major medal prospect.
64kg – Light Welterweight
Amy Broadhurst
Dealgan BC
21
Honours: European U22 gold (2018), European Youth gold (2015) and silver (2014), European Junior gold (2012), European Union Junior gold (2013) English Elite Champion (2018)
The only Irish fighter competing at a non-Olympic weight, Broadhurst has stepped up for the experience following her lightweight endeavours earlier this year. The decorated underage talent will be looking to continue her build into the Senior ranks.
69kg – Welterweight
Grainne Walsh
Spartacus BC
23
Honours: European Union bronze (2017), Irish Elite Champion (2018, 2017)
A surprise package at the last Worlds where she blasted her way to the quarters, the powerful Tullamore fighter will be looking to go, at least, one better in India.
75kg – Middleweight
Aoife O’Rourke
Castlerea BC
21
Honours: European U22 silver (2018), Irish Elite Champion (2018)
A new addition to the High Performance set-up, O’Rourke impressed at the European U22s and the recent Nicolae Linca Golden Belt and will now test the waters in her first major senior championships.
81kg – Light Heavyweight
None
A non-Olympic weight, no Irish light heavy has been sent. Aoife O’Rourke is the reigning Irish champion but moved down to middleweight immediately after her walkover title win.
+81kg – Heavyweight
None
A non-Olympic weight, no Irish heavyweight has been sent. Nell Fox from Rathkeale is the reigning Irish champion.
