Cole storms to Leinster crown
Two titles in row for Byrne
ENNISKERRY Boxing Club’s Cole Byrne (12) took his second Leinster title in a row last weekend in Ryston, Co.Kildare.
After a lengthy wait due to the recent Beast from the East the Leinster finals finally went ahead and Cole was eager to get back to competitive action.
Competing at 48kg, Cole who won the All-Ireland title last year as a Boy 1 was to face a busy weekend.
His first bout was on Saturday as he took on Navan BC’s Nico Tolan.
Cole who is a southpaw was dominant against a very determined opponent and emerged on the right side of a 5-0 card.
There was no time for Cole to rest on his laurels as his Boy 2 final took place on Sunday against William Lawrence of Holy Family BC, Drogheda.
As defending Leinster title holder the pressure was on the young Enniskerry boxer.
Fortunately Byrne got off to a flying start and his opponent was given a standing count early in the first round but gamely continued before referee Peter Clifford called a halt to the fight shortly after to give the Enniskerry boxer a first round stoppage victory.
As the IABA is keen to catch up on their fixture list the All-Ireland finals will commence on the Tuesday evening after Easter and Cole will be seeking to win his second national title in a row.
A pupil at St. Ernan’s NS in Rathnew, Cole travels up to Bray three times a week to train with the Enniskerry club.
Coaches Paul O’Toole and Ben Lynch were delighted that his dedication paid off and all at the club wish him the best next week.
His mother Brenda completed her Child Protection course in Bray Town Hall on Wednesday last and is an active volunteer at the club.
Unfortunately fellow clubmate Aidan Long (16) was not able to progress from his All-Ireland semi-final in the National Stadium on Saturday evening as he lost on a split decision to Monivea’s Jason Ward.
Long was not at his best on the night and was disappointed but can look back on his third Leinster title in a row with considerable pride.