Wicklow boxers shine
THERE were highs and lows for Co. Wicklow boxers in the Michael Andrews championships at the National Stadium last weekend.
There was double joy for Grangecon Boxing Club as twins Darijus and Airidas Peverkitus came through their bouts against Gerry Delaney and Garreth Cribben respectively to march on to the semi-finals this weekend where they will join club colleague Riain Waters.
The Kildare border club is reporting big numbers taking up the sport this year under the guidance of Seamy and Willie Byrne and has produced big names such as Dennis Hogan, Keith Clifford and Ross Hickey to name but a few in recent years.
Arklow Boxing Club’s Niamh Molloy emerged victorious from her bout with Ruby Hynes and powers on to this weekend’s bout with confidence and belief. Her club mates Harry White and Sean Byrne suffered narrow defeats despite brave efforts against Davey Francis Nevin and Kilcullen’s Patrick Nevin.
The all-Wicklow bout between St Teresa’s Tadgh Cahill and En- niskerry’s Johnny Lynch didn’t disappoint as both sides went hell for leather in their battle at the National Stadium with Lynch coming through on a spilt decision.
There were wins for Jaiden Buckley and Patrick Martin from Bray club St Teresa’s on what was a very good weekend for Wicklow boxing.
Hard luck to Enniskerry’s Sean Purcell who fell to defeat in the semi-final of the National U-22 Championships against John Paul Hale of Star Boxing Club at 56kg.
St Teresa’s Regan Buckey will fight in the U-22 championship final on January 25 against Corpus Christi’s Jack O’Neill at 49kg.
Wicklow boxers in action last weekend:
Grangecon: Darijus Peverkitus and Airidas Peverkitus (both 35kg).
Arklow: Harry White (43kg), Niamh Molloy (44.5kg), Sean Byrne (27kg).
St Teresa’s: Jaiden Buckley (35kg), Patrick Martin (29kg), Tadgh Cahill (37kg).
Enniskerry: Johnny Lynch (37kg)