Golden girl Daina wins national title
IT was another title to savour for Enniskerry’s golden girl Daina Moorehouse as she took the All-Ireland Under-18 title in style at the National Stadium last Friday night.
Despite having just turned 16 in September, mentor Paul O’Toole decided Daina was ready to take on the girls above her in age. It proved to be a wise move as Daina won her semi-final 5-0 against a very strong opponent in Megan Joyce from Ardagh, Crossmolina. It was a tough bout for both girls, as at 48kg it was the first fight of the morning on Saturday.
However, Daina did enough to prevail and booked her place in the final. Unfortunately, clubmate Abbie Doyle came up against a better girl on the day as she lost out to Ellie Preston of Baldoyle at 57kg.
Daina’s final was part of an incredible line up of bouts at under-18 and under-22 level, with the National Stadium absolutely packed. Daina stepped in to the ring as third fight of the night against Ciara Brien of St.David’s, Naas.
In an interesting contrast in styles, the contest saw both girls seek to push the other back from the off.
Brien’s all-action style meant Daina had to box cleverly and use her movement and footwork to work her way in so she could land combinations to the body and her backhand to telling effect.
As this bout was at under-18 level, stamina was vital as this was a step up to three by three-minute rounds.
Thankfully Daina’s hard work and sacrifices over Christmas paid off as she emerged victorious winning on all five judges’ cards in a unanimous decision.
A trip to Sweden is next for Daina as she has once more been selected to represent Leinster in the Golden Girls tournament; a title she won last year.
Enniskerry coaches Paul O’Toole and Eve Carr are also travelling as part of the Leinster team and clubmate Abbie Doyle will travel to represent the club in the tournament.
Thanks are offered for the hard work of Linda Morgan who heads the Girls Leinster Development squad. This opportunity is once more offered to the most promising female boxers in Leinster.
This month also saw Enniskerry coaches Paul and Eve earn their international AIBA 1 Star coaching qualifications, making Eve the youngest one-star female coach in the country.
Aidan Long, Cole Byrne and Michael Moorehouse were selected to represent Wicklow in the inter-county clash with Wexford in Sacre Coeur, Wexford. Michael was selected as team captain with Mick Byrne as team manager.
Meanwhile, the younger boxers from Enninskerry BC continue to develop under the tutelage of coaches Darren O’Toole and Ben Lynch.
The junior class continues to grow in numbers and this month saw them spar in Crumlin and Ballybrack.
There is no rest for the club as the Boy 4/Youth 1 and 2 boxers weigh in for the Leinster Championships in Athy on February 10.