THIS year has been the most successful for Baldoyle Boxing Club since it was established 31 years ago.
The boxers claimed 10 Dublin titles, four All-Ireland titles and a Celtic box cub winner.
The 2013/2014 season started on a winning note with Tina Donnelly claiming a Celtic box cup title in Dungarvan last September.
In the boys’ leagues, William Cawley, Thomas Doherty and Server Grancia all claimed Dublin titles for the club.
Thomas also progressed to claim an All-Ireland title with the other two boxers putting on spirited performances against the very best Ireland has to offer.
In the last couple of years all Dublin clubs have reported a serious increase in female membership mostly accredited to the success of Katie Taylor. The club reports that the girls of Baldoyle are no different as they arrived down to the club in serious numbers for the first time ever.
All the coaches were extremely surprised by the instant talent the girls displayed and the weekly progression of skill.
These skills were combined with a dedication that would put most of the boys to shame and lead to Dublin titles for Shannon Lenihan, Nicole Carr, Jessica O’Connor, Megan Cummisky, Sarah McDonnell, Niamh Kelly and Emma Flannery.
It was then the girls’ turn to face the best opposition that the country had to offer in the All Ireland’s held in the National Stadium.
The coaches were nervous because the girls had been boxing for such a short time but once again they amazed all at the club by pushing nerves aside and claiming three All-Ireland titles.
All the girls put on skilled and brave performances pushing the opposition close in all bouts and they all did their club and coaches proud.
Both Tina Donnelly and Megan Cummisky jumped at the chance to represent Ireland this year against a selection from the USA in UCD College and once again produced excellent performances.
Emma Flannery also represented the club in the National Under 18 championship, again facing the best the country has to offer, and narrowly lost out on a split decision that both spectators and coaches felt she deserved to win.
The club held its annual show at the Racecourse Inn on May 30 where its boxers were given the opportunity to showcase some of the amazing talent at Baldoyle Boxing Club.
The season will close with a trip to London this month where Tina Donnelly will be representing the club on the international stage in the Haringey Box Cup.
Every title won this year was due to the boxers’ hard work and dedication of the coaching staff.
The coaching staff have a combined service to Baldoyle Boxing Club of 100 plus years and they constantly display extreme generosity, sharing both their time and experience with the kids.
The club is extremely lucky to have both Dublin and Ireland champions on the coaching staff with Ned Hendricks, Christy Dunne, Gabriel Fitzpatrick, Patrick Cawley, Clem Kelly, Darren Egan and Brian Beasley always on hand to offer time and valuable advice to the boxers.
The trainers are also very happy to have Jackie McQullian on board to assist with all the girls. Jackie, like all the coaches, is extremely generous with her time and is always on hand when requested.
They also have new member of coaching staff this year, Robbie Boylan, who helps out. There is also assistance added from club secretary Ronan Kelly who attends the county board meetings and looks after competition entries.
If you talk to any of the coaches from the club they will tell you that this year’s success is only the start for this group of local youths. They have no doubt that the talent on display in the club, it will go on to win many more titles and continue to represent Baldoyle on the national and international stage for many years to come.
The sky really is the limit for this club and the youth of Baldoyle.
New members are always welcome. Training takes place on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and the facebook page has regular updates with club information.
You can also contact the club by email on baldoyleboxingclub@gmail.com