Athlone Boxing Club representatives Joe Ward and Oisin Donoghue pictured after they won All Ireland titles, in the Boy 1 and Boy 3 categories respectively, at the National Stadium in Dublin.

Double success for Athlone boxers Joe and Oisin in All Ireland finals

Adrian Cusack

Published: Tue 18 Apr 2023, 1:16 PM

Last updated: Tue 18 Apr 2023, 1:22 PM

There was success on the double for Athlone Boxing Club last weekend, as two of its young members won All-Ireland titles at the National Stadium in Dublin.

Joe Ward, an 11-year-old son of the professional boxer of the same name, became the national champion in the youngest category, Boy 1, when he defeated Curtis Corcoran (Westside) on a unanimous decision in Friday’s 43kg final.

And, the following night, Athlone Community College student Oisin Donoghue made it two out of two for the club in national finals this year when he outpointed Danny Mulcaire (Rathkeale), again on a unanimous decision, in the Boy 3, 79kg, final.

Athlone Boxing Club coach Rory Parkes said the two national championship wins represented a proud moment for everyone associated with the club.

“For Joe and Oisin it was their first exposure to competitive boxing at national level. It’s always a big step up for a boxer to go into the National Stadium and perform under the bright lights,” he said.

“It shows their strength of character, and their boxing ability, that they were able to step up to that level and take home national titles. We’re really proud of them.”