European boxing joy as county wins big
LESS than a week after taking the national under-18 title, Enniskerry Boxing Club’s Daina Moorehouse flew out to Sweden as part of the Leinster girls squad to participate in the Golden Girls tournament.
Daina was seeking to retain the title she won last year which first saw her ‘christened’ Golden Girl. Along with Daina were Enniskerry club coaches Paul O’Toole, Eve Carr and also representing the club in the ring was Rathnew native Abbie Doyle.
This tournament is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world and includes boxers of all ages and nationalities.
Daina was first up on Saturday against a Danish opponent Julia Madison.
The Danish boxer was by far the strongest physical opponent Daina has faced to date as she normally competes at 51kg as opposed to 48kg in this bout.
Normally reserved in his comments, Paul O’Toole felt it was the best display his young charge has produced to date in her career.
“Daina’s movement, speed and footwork were all superb today and myself and Eve were proud to see her take the decision unanimously against a really imposing opponent,” he said
Whilst the Leinster boxers prepared for the finals on Sunday, club secretary Eamonn Carr accompanied Daina’s parents John and Melissa to the annual IABA awards held in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel to accept an award on her behalf in recognition of her achievements in 2017.
Daina’s final pitted her against
a familiar nemesis in France’s Rim Benranah, who had beaten Daina two years ago in a tournament in Germany. Giving up at least a foot in height to her opponent, Moorehouse had to let her French opponent come to her and move her around so she could land telling hooks and body shots.
As the contest wore on it was apparent that Daina was not the same fighter who had lost two years previously and that her determination, hard work and undoubted talent meant an uncomfortable rematch for the French girl.
Again, remarkably, Daina emerged victorious on a unanimous 5-0 card. More accolades were to follow as the young Enniskerry boxer took the Best Junior award, the Best Technical Boxer and The People’s Choice of Best Boxer.
More joy was to follow as Abbie Doyle, who was representing Enniskerry Boxing Club, was also in action on Sunday. Abbie took on Denmark’s Sascha Begeskov.
It was clear from the start that the young Dane was going to struggle and indeed she was to take a standing count during the bout.
A unanimous win was a huge boost to Abbie after her disappointment in the under-18 championships but the experience of travelling to a major tournament bodes well for the future and the young Enniskerry gold medalist has plenty of time on her side before the next under-18s.
Well done to the Leinster team who took home four gold medals and to Karen Robins, the team manager, and Linda Morgan who organised the trip for Leinster.