Braid boxers notch hat-trick of silver medals

Declan McKernan, Anthony O’Rawe and Nick McIlroy all picked up the medals but the honours were bitter sweet as all three missed out on gold by one point each.

First to compete was 17year old Anthony O’Rawe, Anthony had a superb semi-final bout earlier in the week and dominated the entire bout outboxing his opponent 7-2. Anthony an apprentice coachbuilder at Wright bus really worked hard and proved to strong for his Cairn Lodge opponent. In the final Anthony met Gleann boxer Steven Morris.

Anthony had a slow start and took the first round to find his rhythm but soon had the measure of the tough Belfast boxer. The last round was to prove the turning point and despite Anthony going all out and totally dominating from start to finish was surprised at the 5-4 verdict.

Next up was apprentice mechanic Nicholas McIlroy in a rematch of last year’s final which saw Nick lose out to Previous Irish Champion Derek Potter 10-9.

This was a cagey fight with none of the two boys wanting to make a mistake and allow the other to take advantage, their scores were locked 0-0 going into the third round despite a lot of leather being traded. The third round both boys really went for it and it was Nick who came out on the wrong side of the judges’ 5-4 decision.

The last of the three braid boxers was 16 year old St Louis Student Declan McKernan, who took on double Ulster champion Martin Hackett.

In what was expected to be a one sided affair Big Deccie kept Hackett at bay by using a much more superior jab and caught his opponent with a straight stinging right hand, Despite Hackett pressing forward Declan maintained the strategy and kept him on the outside.

In what was now habitual the scores were locked 1-1 going into the third round and to the total amazement the score went against Declan 4-3.

Head coach John McLeister stated that all three lads have nothing to worry about despite losing out on the gold.

“I felt for Anthony and Deccie as they won their bouts despite the computer scoring working against them. In a few weeks time the boys will fight again in the Clubs for young people championships UK and may get a chance to rectify the decisions, I know that they will relish the thought of a rematch.”

“In a few short weeks fivemore junior boxers will fight for Co Antrim honours when the tournament commences for the age 11-13 categories, we have a good strong team entering and if they only replicate the performances of last week I will be more than pleased. Among them will be defending champion Corey Bradshaw.

“The club has a wealth of talent at all ages who benefit from top class sparring and conditioning classes.

“Our junior classes are buzzing with new recruits joining all the time and we cant wait until they get an opportunity to compete.

“Preparations are now underway for our annual show which is to be hosted on Saturday, May 28, in Tullyglass house hotel,” added John.