Walsh siblings secure at least bronze in Australia

CURRENT All-Ireland elite champion Michaela Walsh and her brother Aidan are guaranteed at least bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games after winning their feather and welter quarters-finals on Australia’s Gold Coast yesterday.

Kurt Walker is also assured of bronze following his a 4–1 split decision over Moroke Mokhotho of Lesotho in the bantam class.

There was no joy, however, for heavyweight Damien Sullivan who dropped a 1-4 decision against Australian Jason Whateley, while Stephen McMonagle lost 5-0 to New Zealander Patrick Mailata in the super heavyweight quarter-finals.

The Irishman suffered knock downs in the first and second rounds and both boxers were docked a point in the second for holding.

Michaela Walsh stopped Keamogetse Kenosis of Botswana in the third round, while her brother Aidan hammered out a unanimous decision over New Zealand’s Leroy Hindley.

Michaela will now meet New Zealand’s Alexis Prichard in the semi-finals on Friday. South Africa-born Pritchard was beaten by Russia’s Sofya Ochigava – whom Katie Taylor beat in the 2012 Olympic final – in the last-eight at the London Games.

“Aidan came through against a tough and durable opponent,” said head coach John Conlan.

“Michaela totally dominated. Her opponent was very tall but Michael’s skills shone through.”