The Erne Boxing Club’s quest for another National title came to a controversial end at the Semi-final stage in Dublin at the weekend after Ciaran Cassidy lost out on a debatable 3-2 split decision.

Cassidy competing in the National Finals stage for the first time started purposefully against Munster champion Quiney Doherty (Sunnyside Boxing Club). The opening session was very competitive as both combatants let their hands go. Both had their share of success, but it was felt that Cassidy’s cleaner punches should have edged matters.

Doherty from the Rebel County of Cork came out fast in the second session, but Cassidy weathered the early storm and came on strong and landed with several good jab-cross combinations to secure the round.

Both boxers raised their game in the final round and again there was several good exchanges. Whilst Doherty scored with single counters, Cassidy often landed with two punches and was the generally more busier and finished strong.

The split-decision verdict came as a surprise to the Erne coaching team and they were extremely disappointed when it was given in favour of Doherty.

“Although two of the rounds were close I felt that we won all three,” surmised Erne Boxing Club coach Greg Copeland.

“After the contest we had several top officials come up to us to advise us that they felt we won clearly. But, despite the outcome we are extremely proud of Ciaran. He has made great strides this season winning five of six contests and won two Ulster titles. I’m confident bigger and better days are ahead of him,” added Copeland.

The club has also been busy running a Non-Contact Boxing Skills Awards programme for their Underage members. The latest batch of members passed their Preliminary Boxing Awards last week. The club advise that so far 14 members had passed the inaugural award.

“The Boxing Awards programme is akin to the grading systems that you have in Judo or Ju-jitsu. There are six Awards that this group can progress towards but usually after three awards they progress to competitive boxing,” said Erne Boxing Club Head Coach, and course leader, Sean Crowley.

The Erne Boxing Club advise that the club still has a very busy schedule ahead of them with Schoolgirl Championships coming up as well as their Senior Elite boxer competing on the international scenes again shortly.