Boxer Siobhán shows no fear ahead of move to professional ranks
A KILCUMMIN-born Limerick resident will step into the ring for her first professional fight at the Good Counsel GAA Club in Drimnagh, Dublin, on Saturday night, November 24.
Fighting at super featherweight and promoted by Boxing Ireland Promotions, Siobhán O’Leary is on the Celtic Clash 7 fight card at the Dublin venue and she’s bringing quite a reputation to the ring with her.
Siobhán, a social care worker in her adopted Limerick, is half Castleisland and half Mitchell – a fact that doesn’t bode well for any of her future opponents.
Coming to the sport of the Queensberry Rules through the fundraising spin-off of White Collar Boxing, Siobhán says she got ‘ hooked’ on the whole concept of contact sport and the fitness and general healthy living that goes with it.
“I actually got into boxing by the accident of taking part in ‘White Collar’ fight nights, and I fell in love with the whole idea of that kind of sport from there,” Siobhán explained.
“I went on and achieved what I set out to as an amateur. I had a great year in 2017, and I won a national senior title at 60kg in the National Stadium with my club at the time, the Corpus Christi Boxing Club in Limerick.
“I decided that it’s time for me to move on and into the professional ranks, and I love it.
“Nowadays I’m training in the Functional Fitness club in Limerick, and in Dublin with the SBG in Tallaght.
“I’m training up there in the care of the highly respected Eddie Hyland, and I’m learning and improving from every session with him.
“I believe that, if you truly want to achieve something, no one or nothing can stop you, and if you fail at any stage it’s a mark of your strength that you can get back up, and keep going forward and chasing that goal.”
“I keep talking to myself and telling myself that this is where I want to go, and I believe it and I know I’ll get there. And do you know what? Your mindset is everything, and if you surround yourself with the right people – positive people – they will help to keep you firmly on your journey.
“At 36, I’m an older athlete, and I’m acting and thinking as such. I’m as healthy as a horse and building up to fight-night fitness with every session,” said Siobhán – who is reported to pack a punch like a kick from a mule.
Reacting to Siobhán’s arrival in the PRO ranks, Boxing Ireland Promotions Manager Stephen Sharpe said that he had already known of her reputation.
“Siobhán had a very successful run in the amateurs, and I’ve known for some time she hits like a mule, giving the Limerick lads hell sparring, and I had enquired a couple of times what her plans were.
“I was informed that Siobhán was seriously contemplating a switch to the pro-ranks and was weighing up her options. I was instantly impressed by her attitude and commitment. I knew she had boxing ability, but that’s not all: Siobhán has substance, she is highly intelligent, articulate, and is as determined as the come,” said Mr Sharpe.
Siobhán has a list of sponsors and supporters she wishes to thank for the back-up that’s allowing her to pursue a professional boxing career. They include: Michael O’Leary PVC, Kerry; Functional Fitness, Limerick; Dual Nature Massage Therapy, Limerick; Eats of Eden Health Food Store, Limerick; The Commerical Bar, Limerick; Niall O’Sullivan Decors, Kerry; and SBG Tallaght, Dublin. Good Luck Siobhán!