Three Cadet titles for Elite BC fighters
CLUB NOTES
Mullingar Elite started our campaign with six boxers entered into the Junior Cadet Championships three weeks ago. Each boxer gave their all in each fight; some were successful, while others were very unlucky not to reach the final.
Christopher Nevin gave a great display on day one, using his range and connecting with solid punches. However, after the three rounds, the judges favoured his opponent from Portlaoise. Paddy Nevin secured his first win of the tournament and progressed to day two.
On day two, Paddy Nevin, Pat Nevin, and John Joe Nevin all faced tough fights against competitors from Munster, Ulster, and Connaught, ultimately claiming victories.
Day three saw Paddy Nevin, Ronan Charles, Pat Nevin, and John Joe Nevin in action. Pat Nevin delivered a masterclass performance to defeat a skilled opponent from Cork. Ronan Charles followed with an impressive win against a contender from the North.
John Joe Nevin, in the club's opinion, was unfairly judged in a 3-2 split decision, with all our coaches believing he had done enough to win. Meanwhile, Paddy Nevin faced a grudge match with a two-time Irish champ whom he had beaten two weeks prior in the Neilstown Boxcup. It was the fight of the day, with both boxers going toe-to-toe from the first bell, but once again, the 3-2 split decision favored Paddy's opponent.
Day four, the finals day, saw us with three kids left. First up was Pat Nevin, facing Oskar Poreski from Sacre Coeur BC, Wexford, a two-time Irish champion. Nevin started fast, catching Oskar with clean shots and picking up valuable points. In round two, Nevin used his jab effectively and maintained pressure. Round three was Nevin’s best, leaving no doubt about his victory, which was announced as unanimous.
Next was Ronan Charles, who faced Ryan Seery from Glasnevin BC, a boy one year older. Knowing Seery was a strong opponent, we instructed Ronan to start fast. Ronan did just that, catching Seery with eye-catching combinations and using his jab to full effect. Both lads wanted the win badly, but after three action-packed rounds, Ronan was declared the unanimous winner. This victory marked Ronan’s third Irish national title in two years of boxing, bringing his record to 25 wins and 0 losses.
Lastly, Maggie McDonagh, who has faced some unfavorable decisions in the past, ensured her victory this time. Maggie boxed brilliantly against Lucy Prentice from Ulster. Both girls gave a great account of themselves, but it was Maggie's range and precision counter-punching that won her the fight. After three hard-fought rounds, Maggie was named the unanimous winner. This title was Maggie’s first and earned her a spot on the Irish team going to the European Championships.
The club would like to thank the committee and all the coaches—John Nevin, David Nevin, Matthew Charles, Patrick and Charmaine Nevin, Dan Nevin, Paddy Rattigan, and Tony Conroy—for giving up their time to help the kids reach their goals. If any kids would like to join the club, please call 0858074490.