After almost 60 bouts and in front of a packed National Stadium, the 2026 Elite Championships drew to a close on Saturday night with two of Irish boxing’s most decorated athletes once again setting the standard on the sport’s biggest domestic stage.

Double Olympic champion Kellie Harrington claimed her 12th Elite title with a commanding 5–0 decision over reigning champion Kellie McLoughlin of St Catherine’s BC Dublin. The bout lived up to its marquee billing, with Harrington’s sharp footwork, timing and ring intelligence proving decisive in a contest that showcased the depth and quality of women’s boxing in Ireland.

Elsewhere, double Olympian Michaela Walsh made history by securing a record-breaking 14th Elite title, the most by any athlete in the competition’s history. Walsh delivered a composed and clinical performance to defeat Sarah Cunningham of O’Rourke’s BC on a unanimous decision in the 57kg final, further underlining her longevity and consistency at the highest level of the amateur game.

The Championships also delivered a series of compelling contests across multiple weight categories, reinforcing Ireland’s strong boxing pipeline.

Paris Olympian Dean Clancy of Sean McDermott BC Leitrim emerged as Elite 65kg champion following a titanic encounter with Jason Nevin of Olympic BC Mullingar, edging a 4–1 decision after one of the bouts of the night. Olympian Jack Marley claimed the heavyweight crown with a dominant 5–0 victory over Garyn McAlister of North Down BC, while fellow Paris Olympian Jude Gallagher secured the 60kg title with a narrow 3–2 split decision against Adam Hession of Monivea BC, Galway.

 

World and European medalists were also prominent. Aoife O’Rourke added the women’s 75kg Elite title to her growing list of honours with a comprehensive 5–0 win over Shauna Kearney. Grainne Walsh claimed the 65kg crown with a unanimous decision over Linda Desmond, while Louis Rooney impressed in the 50kg final, edging Sean Mari on a 4–1 scoreline. Patsy Joyce rounded out the evening with a hard-fought victory over Clepson dos Santos to take the 55kg title.

From Sallynoggin and Jobstown in Dublin to Castlerea, Bunclody and Gilford, the geographical spread of champions once again highlighted boxing’s reach into communities across the island.

First staged in 1922 at the Abbey Theatre before finding its permanent home in 1939, the Elite Championships remain the pinnacle of the domestic amateur calendar. Hosted at the historic National Stadium, the event continues to serve as both a proving ground for emerging talent and a stage for established stars to reaffirm their status.

It was also a great showcase for the new Boxing Ireland branding, with the LED screen serving as a backdrop for the boxers’ walk-ons, the referee shirts, and the ring itself all transformed with the new branding since last weekend’s opening of the Championships.

 

Sport for Business Perspective

The Elite Championships illustrate why boxing remains one of Ireland’s most successful Olympic sports and a powerful example of a sustainable talent pathway. The presence of Olympic champions, world medalists and emerging prospects on the same card reinforces the value of a strong domestic competition structure that consistently challenges athletes while inspiring the next generation.

From a commercial perspective, the Championships also demonstrated that heritage venues, repeatable flagship events, and clear performance pathways are key. Boxing Ireland, with visible progression from local gyms to Olympic podiums, provides a compelling narrative for sponsors, partners and policymakers alike.

Finally it was great to see the entire evening broadcast live on TG4’s YouTube channel with Cúan O Flatharta swapping out his Gaelic Gammes commentary skills for the ringside seat.

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: Boxing Ireland

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