Daniel Carey
GARY Sweeney from All-Stars Boxing Club, Ballinrobe captured the National Open Youth heavyweight title in some style last Saturday.
The Mayo boxer beat Jack Morrissey (Sacre Coeur) 5-4 in the 91kg final, helped by an excellent first round after which he led 5-1, having landed some big punches. It was 5-2 by the end of round two, and Morrissey pulled two back in the third to ensure a nervous final few seconds, but Sweeney held on to claim victory.
In marked contrast to the close final, Sweeney had qualified for the decider courtesy of a very comfortable 7-0 victory over Patrick Ward (St Pat’s) on Friday.
Elsewhere, Anthony Coyle was unfortunate to lose a very close 69kg semi-final on Friday night, going down 6-5 on a count-back to Ryan Dervan (St Brendan’s, Galway) following a 2-2 tie. Patrick Ward (Gurteen) lost the other 69kg semi-final to Christy Joyce (St Michael’s Athy).
Ryan Peake (Ballyhaunis) was stopped in round two by eventual 56kg champion George Bates (St Mary’s) in his semi-final. Eamon Tighe (Ballinacarrow) beat Daniel O’Neill (Paulstown) in the 75kg final, but lost the final to Stephen Broadhurst (Dealgan) on a double count-back after a 2-2 tie.
Moylette ready for action
RAY Moylette will defend his National Elite Senior Championship title after receiving physiotherapy on a hand injury. The young Islandeady man suffered a fall in the frost at Christmas, but has been getting extensive treatment as he aims to retain the belt he won in dramatic circumstances last year.
Moylette will be joined at the Senior Championships – which begin next weekend – by his St Anne’s club-mates Danny Coughlan and Tara Keane. Katie Rowland (Geesala) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Ballina) will also be among the Mayo contingent at the competition.
Heaslip Cup
THERE was a great day’s boxing as Mayo boxers took on their Galway counterparts in the Heaslip Cup last Sunday in the Connemara Gateway Hotel, Oughterard.
There were five Mayo victories during the 12-bout bill. Brian Mullen of St Anne’s put in an outstanding display, while there were also wins for Seán Reilly (Ardagh/Crossmolina), Michael Ward (Gurteen), Francis McDonagh (St Ane’s) and Shane McIntyre (Golden Gloves).
The results were as follows – Boy 1 33kg: Michael Ward (Gurteen) bt Liam McDonagh (Connemara); Boy 2 39kg: Owen McCarthy (Furbo) bt Aaron Timlin (Knockmore); Boy 2 42kg: Kieran Molloy (Oughterard) bt Roy Collins (Ardnaree); Francis McDonagh (St Anne’s) bt Cathal Griffin (Connemara); Boy 3 36kg: Francis Cleary (Olympic) bt Michael Maughan (Ballyhaunis); Boy 3 42g: James Cleary (Olympic) bt Bernard Ward (Ballyhaunis); Boy 3 46kg: Francis Ward (St Michael’s) bt Pat McDonagh (St Anne’s); Boy 4 44kg: Colm Molloy (Oughterard) bt Martin Ward (Gurteen); Boy 4 60kg: Caomhan Hernon (GBC) bt James Daly (St Anne’s); Youth 1 52kg: Seán Reilly (Ardagh/Crossmolina) bt Patrick Stokes (Ballinasloe); Youth 1 60kg: Enda Tierney (Oughterard) bt Sonny Maughan (Ballyhaunis); Youth 1 66kg: Shane McIntyre (Golden Gloves) bt Michael Ward (Ailbhe); Youth 2 75kg: Brian Mullen (St Anne’s) bt Davis Ward (Monivea).
Mayo Championships
OVER 200 boxers will be in the Pete Callaghan Centre, Westport on Sunday as the Mayo Championships begin. Weigh-in for boys from 9am to 10am, with females weighing in between 10am and 11am. Boxing will commence at 2pm.
