Boy 1 boxing glory for Charles

Mullingar Elite Boxing Club entered five boxers into the All-Ireland Boy 1, 2, and 3s during the past week, but that number was reduced to four after Alex Carey (62kg) pulled out due to injury. In a significant achievement, Ronan Charles captured his first All-Ireland title following some impressive displays.

Ronan started the campaign by winning a competitive bout against a strong opponent from Dunfanaghy Boxing Club. Ronan got tongues wagging after his display, with people very impressed by his performance. In the semis, he met Banbridge's Issac Ireland, a very strong boy. Ronan fought hard for three rounds and picked up another unanimous decision to book his place in the final against the highly talented Charlie Corcoran (Titans BC).

Ronan, who has been in the club since he was three years old, with is dad/coach Matt Charles, was in top form straight away. He took control of the fight establishing his dominance in each round. Ronan made a very good boxer look ordinary; his hand was raised to claim his first All-Ireland title. Head Coach Tony Conroy said this Ronan has a big future in boxing.

Maggie McDonagh girl 2 45kg

Maggie won the Leinster at 43kg, but she was moved up to 45kg for this event and the gamble nearly paid off. She had three good fights, beating a girl from Ulster in her first, leading to a semi-final clash with the girl who beat her in last year's All-Ireland final, Katie O'Hara. Maggie started well in the first and second rounds. The third became messy but after a anxious wait, she won 5.0 to book her place against Kala Nevin, Olympic BC, Mullingar.

Both girls gave there all in the fight and we really thought Maggie had done enough, but the three judges went for Nevin and two went for McDonagh, making it a 3.2 split.

Darren Joyce also moved up a weight division and had three tough fights, beating an opponent from Munster in his first. Darren showed great skill and footwork in all of his bouts, his final was the tightest fight of all. Our game plan was to hit and move against the strong MBC fighter. Darren executed the plan to a tee, catching his opponent with fast long punches, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to convince all the judges and he also lost on a 3.2 split decision.

Hugh Lee Nevin was our biggest competitor in boy 3 (65kg). He boxed his quarter-final bout against a very strong opponent from Connacht. Hugh Lee showed great punch combinations and footwork, out-working his opponent to pick up a unanimous decision and a place in the semis against last year's All-Ireland champion, Ryhs Taylor, Dunboyne BC.

Hugh Lee started slow in the first. Both boxers were working each other out. In round two and three, both lads worked hard. Hugh Lee caught Ryhs with solid shot and we had another anxious wait and another 3.2 split.

The club is very proud of all there achievements and we walked away with one gold, two silver and one bronze. Well done to all competitors.