Gort’s Cliona Darcy will represent Ireland against Hungary, England and an Ulster selection in an under-23 round-robin event in Belfast from October 9th.
The event will be used as preparation for the World Boxing European championships in Hungary in November.
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The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) will hold an international U23 round robin in Belfast as part of preparations for the World Boxing European U23 Championships in Hungary in November.
Team Ireland has named a 16 strong team (below) is comprised of 2025 National U23 champions, and includes World bronze medalist Patsy Joyce, World Boxing Championship boxer Louis Rooney – who was a 2024 European U23 champ, 2024 European U23 bronze medalist, Robyn Kelly, World Youth champions Cliona Darcy (2022), and Adam Olaniyan, 2024 European Youth champion, Ava Henry and 2022 European Junior champion Tadgh O’Donnell. The team includes boxers from 9 counties: Antrim (1), Dublin (7), Down (1), Galway (1), Loais (1), Mayo (1), Meath (1), Westmeath (2) and Wicklow (1)
National U23 teams from Hungary and England, and an Ulster Select, will go up against Team Ireland in 5 sessions of boxing across October 9th to 11th, at the Girdwood Community Hub Belfast.
A round robin is an international tournament where each competing team fights every other team, ensuring a comprehensive test of skill and strategy. The last round-robin to take place in Ireland was held in the National Stadium in 2017.
High Performance Director Jon Mackey says “Development opportunities like this are vital for the progression of Irish boxing, and this round robin is a key part of Team Ireland’s preparations for the inaugural World Boxing European U23 Championships. We have a strong team, and pre-championship competition against teams like Hungary, England and an Ulster Select will only serve to further enhance preparations.” And, Jon adds “ We’re delighted to be back in Belfast, after June’s National Elite Competition. The Girdwood is a superb venue and Belfast City Council’s support is invaluable – as is that of the Ulster Boxing Council led by Kevin Duffy and the Antrim County Board, led by Paddy Barnes. Our thanks, also to Central Council, led by President Anto Donnelly and the Officer Board, for their ongoing support.”
IABA President, Anto Donnelly, says “This has been an exceptional year for boxer development through internationals across the Association. We have welcomed teams from Wales, France and India to compete at Youth internationals, a team from Austria at Elite level, and now Hungary, England and an Ulster Select. Hosting seven internationals in six months across two critical age categories speaks to how committed we are to getting Irish Boxing to top of international podiums. These internationals are also impossible without the contribution and expertise of volunteers at club level and also officials at weigh-ins, Referees and Judges, as technical officials. I thank each and every one of them for their dedication”
Ulster President, Kevin Duffy says ”We are thrilled to welcome Team Ireland, Hungary and England to Belfast what will be a truly momentous occasion for Belfast and for Irish sport. I’m also looking forward to cheering on the Ulster Select as they step between the ropes against national teams. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone, celebrating the strength, talent, and dedication of Ireland’s finest amateur boxers on a stage that reflects the passion and pride of Belfast’s boxing heritage. As a city long known for producing champions and fostering a deep love for the sport, it is an honour to welcome national teams as they prepare for the European U23 Championships . We extend a warm welcome to all athletes, coaches, and supporters, and look forward to witnessing an unforgettable showcase of skill, spirit, and sportsmanship. Thank you to Paddy Barnes, President of the Antrim Boxing Board and Liam Corr for helping to secure this event and we look forward to working in partnership with Central Council to ensure this truly is a memorable sporting occasion.”
Antrim President, Paddy Barnes Snr. ‘This round robin represents another great event for boxing in Belfast and one we are privileged to host in our great city. Belfast has a rich boxing history with over half of Irelands Olympic boxing medals (9) coming from Belfast, we hope to see the next batch of potential Olympic medalists on show. With support from the Belfast City Council and or Belfast Boxing Strategy, we can’t wait to host this historic event”
