Roscommon Sisters Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke Rise in Boxing World

The dynamic duo of sisters, Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke, have captured the spotlight in the boxing world, showcasing their talent and determination as they represent Roscommon on international stages. Their journey has been marked by significant achievements, including Aoife’s recent gold medal win in the women’s 75kg division at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool.

As the sisters continue to train under the guidance of their coach, Paddy Sharkey, they remain committed to their sport while reflecting on their shared experiences and the support they’ve received from their community.

Chasing a Thief: A Test of Character

One memorable incident highlights the sisters’ courage and teamwork. While in Manchester for the Manchester Box Cup, the O’Rourke sisters found themselves witnessing an act of theft. A man stole a phone from a woman engrossed in her screen. Without hesitation, Paddy, Aoife, and Lisa decided to intervene.

“We’ll catch him,” Paddy urged, initiating a chase that lasted for over a mile and a half. The trio pursued the suspect through streets and alleyways, showcasing their athletic ability and determination. “He didn’t know what was going to happen,” Paddy recounted. Eventually, realizing he was cornered, the thief surrendered and abandoned the phone, which survived the fall with only a crack.

The sisters located the phone’s owner in a nearby hotel, who expressed immense gratitude, as the device contained vital information. “She was so thankful,” Lisa recalled, emphasizing the importance of not only their athletic prowess but also their character.

From Local Sparring to World Stages

The O’Rourke sisters’ journey in boxing began in their hometown of Castlerea, where they trained at the Castlerea Boxing Club. Aoife initially took up boxing in 2013 as a way to stay fit for Gaelic football. Lisa, initially reluctant, soon followed her sister’s lead. “I’ll never do that,” she once said, but peer pressure and familial support brought her into the sport.

The sisters have forged a close bond over their shared experiences. They travel together for training sessions, often driving long distances for sparring. Their coach, Paddy, often fills these journeys with music and stories, making the long drives enjoyable.

Both sisters have now achieved remarkable success in boxing, with Aoife becoming a four-time European gold medallist and representing Ireland at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Lisa made her mark as a world champion in 2022 at just 20 years old, defeating Mozambique’s Alcinda Panguane.

Despite their accolades, the sisters emphasize that their love for boxing goes beyond medals. “There’s so much more to success than just a medal,” Aoife explained, sharing her perspective on the importance of personal growth and resilience in the sport.

Their journey is not solely about competition. The sisters have also ventured into other athletic pursuits, including winning the Hyrox Pro Women’s Doubles at the World Championships in Chicago. This pursuit of diverse athletic experiences adds another layer to their training regimen and keeps their passion for sport alive.

The bond between Aoife and Lisa is evident, as they motivate and support one another. “It’s definitely not like, ‘Oh, she won that, I’m jealous,’” Aoife remarked. Instead, their achievements inspire a healthy, constructive rivalry that fuels their ambitions.

As they continue to excel in their boxing careers, the O’Rourke sisters remain grounded and focused on their roots in Roscommon. They attribute their success to the unwavering support from their family and community, which they hold dear.

Their story is one of hard work, dedication, and the importance of family ties, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. As they step into the ring, the sisters not only carry their own dreams but also the hopes of their hometown. The O’Rourkes are just getting started, with many more chapters to write in their remarkable journey.