Team Ireland Prepares for European U23 Boxing Championships in Budapest

A determined Team Ireland has departed for the 2025 European U23 Championships taking place in Budapest, Hungary, from November 21 to 30. This inaugural event will see nearly 300 boxers from 33 federations competing for gold medals. The participating countries include Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and Wales.

The Irish team showcases a roster of exceptional talent, including the 2024 European U23 champion Louis Rooney, who also earned a bronze medal at last year’s World Championships. Other notable boxers include Patsy Joyce, a World bronze medalist, and Robyn Kelly, a 2024 European U23 bronze medalist. Additionally, the squad features World Youth champion Cliona Darcy, European Youth champion Ava Henry, and 2022 European Junior champion Tadgh O’Donnell.

Team Composition and Leadership

Team Ireland is made up of boxers from eight counties, including Dublin, Westmeath, and Down. The team co-captains, Robyn Kelly from Ballynacargy Boxing Club and James Whelan from Dublin Docklands, will represent Ireland at the opening ceremony on Sunday.

Preparation for this prestigious competition has been rigorous. The team engaged in a comprehensive ten-week training regime at the High Performance Unit on the Sport Ireland Campus. Their preparations included a three-day international Round Robin tournament with Ulster Select, England, and Hungary in October, as well as a two-match series against India in November. They also participated in sparring sessions against elite boxers to ensure they are battle-ready.

Championship Schedule and Format

The tournament will unfold over several days, with the draw determining the matchups for each weight category taking place on the evening of November 22 at approximately 20:00 Irish time. Two rings will operate at the Bok Sports Hall until the semi-final rounds. Preliminary rounds, including quarter-finals, are scheduled from November 23 to 26. After a rest day on November 27, semi-finals will occur on November 28, culminating in the finals on November 29 starting at 14:00.

Irish boxing enthusiasts will be able to follow the championships, as the events are expected to be live-streamed. Team Ireland will return home on November 30, hopefully with a collection of medals.

The complete Irish team comprises:

• 48kg: Tiffany Spencer, Jobstown BC, Dublin
• 51kg: Rachel Lawless, St. Brigid’s BC, Offaly
• 54kg: Robyn Kelly, Ballynacargy Boxing Club, Westmeath
• 57kg: Natalia Fascizewska, Castlebar BC, Mayo
• 60kg: Rebecca Kavanagh, Mulhuddart BC, Dublin
• 65kg: Ava Henry, Dublin Docklands BC
• 80+kg: Cliona D’Arcy, Tobar Pheadair BC, Galway
• 50kg: Louis Rooney, Star ABC, Belfast
• 55kg: Patsy Joyce, Olympic BC, Westmeath
• 60kg: Gavin Ryan, Ratoath BC, Meath
• 65kg: Roy Colgan, Avona BC, Dublin
• 70kg: Ryan Jenkins, Jobstown BC, Dublin
• 75kg: Tadgh O’Donnell, Jobstown BC, Dublin
• 80kg: James Whelan, Dublin Docklands BC
• 85kg: Sean Mackay Trant, Monkstown BC, Dublin
• 90kg: Garyn McAllister, North Down BC, Down

The support staff includes Team Manager and High Performance Director Jon Mackey, along with coaches James Doyle, Lynne McEnery, Ross Hickey, and Paul Simpson. Physiotherapists Paddy O’Donnell and Rian Furley will provide medical support, alongside athlete support from Aidan Walsh. Referee and Judge Garry McGillion will also accompany the team.

As Team Ireland embarks on this exciting journey, hope and determination are high for a successful championship in Budapest.