Four Mayo national boxing champions crowned at IABA Finals

It was a successful weekend for Mayo boxing, at the IABA’s National Finals.

In total, over 110 finals were held across the different divisions, and four Mayo fighters were crowned as champions at the festival of boxing, which took place at the National Stadium in Dublin.

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The first Mayo native to win was Chloe Coyle in the 57kg Division. The Golden Gloves, Belmullet boxer put on a great display against Dealgan’s Aoife Lennon to beat her Louth opponent and bring the title home to a sizeable crowd waiting for her on the Belmullet streets.

Another fighter who showed their pedigree on Friday to be crowned National BG4 Champion was Michael Mullaney. Mullaney displayed his class in an assured display of ringwork to triumph over Antrim’s Jude McLaughlin.

The win means that Mullaney can lay claim to the title of five-time national champion.

Mayo’s good fortunes continued over to Saturday, with a winner in the Junior One womens’ 80kg division.

Ursula Shaughnessy, from Ballinrobe Boxing Club, displayed excellent technique in her five-round clash with Holly King from Glin Dublin.

The result means that Shaughnessy has now defended her title, having previously beaten Molly Higgins in the 2024 Final.

Also, Zoey Howley defeated Carrie Ann Payne in a keenly contested affair at 47kg.

The win on Friday means that the Swinford boxer has now been crowned national champion at this event on three separate occasions.

Unfortunately, despite making the National Finals, Kate Moyles of Ardagh Crossmolina couldn’t get the better of Claire Crowley in the 57kg division.

The same could be said of Dan Moran of Charlestown, who was beaten by Michael Connors of St Brigid’s Kildare, while Geesala’s Frank Irwin lost out to Top End’s Owen Piazga in the 107kg weight class.

Saint Anne’s Boxing Club in Westport were also represented in Dublin, with Ruby Sweeney and Darren Daly also gunning for honours. However, neither fighter could get the win on the day and had to settle for silver.

Rachel and Emma Rattigan from Aglish couldn’t manage to get titles under their belts as they lost in the 57kg and 55kg divisions respectively. Ethan Duffy was another Aglish native who lost out, this time to Jay Simpson.

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