The Erne Boxing Club claimed a further two Ulster titles at the weekend and a silver medal following a brave performance from Orlaith Donegan.
Aoibhe Reilly won the Girl 1 (Under 12) 35kg title and Katie Rasdale Girl 2 (Under 13's) 72kg title, as both were uncontested they boxed against their Ulster champion counterparts (from different age/weight categories) in Skills matches.
Aoife Reilly sharpened her skills against Monaghan's Kayden McKenna (Castleblaney Boxing Club) and Katie Rasdale was in strong form against Ria Murphy (Portadown Community Boxing Club). Both girls now progress to the National Finals stage at the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin after the Easter weekend.
The Erne Boxing Club's hopes of a third crown were thwarted when Orlaith Donegan lost to Alesha Mullis-Boyle (Dungloe Boxing Club) in the Girl 2 (Under 13's) 57kg final.
It was simply too tall an order for Orlaith competing in her first contest, as Mullis-Boyle had too significant height and reach advantages for the Erne combatant to cope with.
Donegan valiantly tried to get close to her opponent but was constantly kept on the end of her rangy opponent's punches. After a discussion in the corner at the end of round one Donegan was retired from the contest handing her Donegal opponent victory by contest abandonment in round two.
"Despite huge physical disadvantages Orlaith fought bravely and actually wanted to continue but as the first round wasn't competitive enough we chose to abandon the contest before round two as a caution and leave with the benefit of the experience gained." said Sean Crowley, Erne Boxing Club Head Coach.
"Aoibhe Reilly is training really hard and has improved immensely over the past few months and will prove a good match for any prospective opponents. We have high aspirations for hard-hitting Katie Rasdale, the early signs are that the nose problems that cost her an Irish title last year look to be behind her and she'll be a strong favourite for National honours this time around," added Crowley
The Erne Boxing Club have been strong supporters of female participation in the sport of boxing and confirmed that Aoibhe Reilly, Katie Rasdale and Orlaith Donegan will also be competing at The Golden Girl championships in Boras, Sweden in May after the National Championships have concluded.
"We are dedicated to the development of female talent and The Golden Girl championship (the world's largest female only boxing tournament) is integral to continuing their progress and preparing them for future international competitions. These trip wouldn't be possible without our supporters and kind sponsor Citynet Insurance Brokers Limited," explained Crowley.
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