Top youngsters box clever in Ballsgrove

HOLY Family Boxing Club in Ballsgrove played host to the Louth Open Championships the weekend before last and staged an impressive 133 bouts over three days.

All the county’s clubs - Tredagh, Drogheda, Dealgan, Ardee, O’Hanlon Park, Clann Naofa and of course Holy Family - had boxers competing and there were also entries from Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh, Down and Fermanagh.

Boys and girls aged from 11 to 18 took part and there was a Novice section also for those aged 19 upwards, with 26 gold medals being won by Louth-affiliated clubs.

Five of those went to Holy Family, three each to Tredagh and Ardee, two each to St Cianan’s (Duleek) and O’Hanlon Park and one to Drogheda, with the other nine all being won by Dealgan.

Jack McKenna from St Cianan’s boxed out of his skin in both his semi-final and final to become the first from his club to be adjudged Male Boxer of the Tournament and the female award went to Sophie Curley of Dealgan.

For St Cianan’s it was one of their most successful years ever in this competition. As well as golds for Jack and for Adam Connell, Dylan Little and Sean O’Brien both won silver and Gavin Rafferty and Neil Rowe benefited from walkovers to win their divisions.

Louth Open winners

Jack McKenna (right) of St Cianan’s BC unleashes a big right hand against Kieran McPharlin of Ratoath on his way to winning ‘Best Male Boxer’ at the Louth Open in Holy Family BC.

Jim Gorman,Gerry Carroll, David Thornton and Douglas Carroll enjoying the action at Holy Family BC.

Padraig Mc Cullough, Ryan Mc Donnell, Vinnie Devine and Callum Carragher, representing Tredagh Boxing Club.

Former National Senior champions (l to r) Martin Mc Quillan, Johnny Thornton and Damien Mc Kenna.

Holy Family BC’s Liam Mc Cormack, the Boy 3 72kg champion, celebrates with his mum Eileen and dad Dave.

Adam Mc Kenna (Holy Family BC), winner of the Boy 2 37kg title, with his proud dad Damien who is one of the club’s coaches.

Louth Open Championship referees Hugh Mc Mahon, Paul Moore and Tony Conroy strike a pose.