Ireland will have a record-equaling number of boxers at this summer’s Olympic Games, following the conclusion of the 2nd Olympic World Qualifier. 4 boxers qualified in Bangkok, bringing the total Olympic team number to 10 – a team size not seen since the 1960 Games.
579 boxers from 133 countries contested the tournament in Thailand.
Jennifer Lehane, a primary school teacher, took a two year career break to focus on boxing and full time training in July, 2022. She contested the 2023 European Games and the 1st Olympic World Qualifier in Milan.
“I feel on top of the world. This is the stuff dreams are made of. I can’t believe it. We (the coaches and I) sat down together and put the tactics together – I just listened to them and stuck to my simple boxing. I think that’s what got me over the line.”
At 66 KG Grainne Walsh’s superior power, punch-picking and accuracy showed, throughout. She won all rounds of her qualification bout, and booked her ticket to Paris by virtue of a 5-0 decision. Judges scored the bout 26:30; 26:30; 27:29; 26: 30; 26:30.
“It’s extremely hard to sum up, in words, this feeling. I feel like this was all meant to be. I feel like I qualified in Milan, and I came to Bangkok to collect my ticket. I believe everything happens for a reason. I’m just so delighted and over the moon, having my family here – I have my Dad here, and my brother and my sister, and the support of the nation and my community at home in Tullamore.”
“I’m actually so proud of myself. It’s been a long road, and it’s only the start. The faith the coaches have shown in me, the road I’ve been on, all the knock-backs. It all had to be for this reason – if I had have turned around and walked away, some people may have done that, but each time I got a knock back – it actually set me up and added more strings to my bow – that’s why this moment is all the sweeter for me.”
Daina Moorehouse was the third Irish athlete to make it a Paris summer, winning against Bulgaria’s Zlatislava Genadieva Chukanova.
“I actually don’t know how to feel, I’m in my own world right now,” she said after the bout.
“I just can’t believe it….I think what got me over the line was, I was so close I’d gotten before. I was that extra bit hungrier. I did not want to leave here without this ticket today. I went in there and gave it everything I have.”
Tokyo bronze medalist, Aidan Walsh became a double Olympian following a unanimous decision in his favour in his qualification bout.
“It’s absolutely amazing. Words just can’t describe this time. Five, six months ago I was retired and I didn’t think I was every going to get back in to boxing, to be honest. I was looking for jobs and I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life. With the help of some amazing people I got back on track and I’m here – it’s so hard to believe.”
“I’m just so happy I get to share the experience with my sister (Michaela), like I did in Tokyo” Aidan’s sister, Michaela, is overcome with joy for her brother “My brother Aidan has just qualified for his 2nd Olympic Games. The feeling of pride I have for him. If I had the choice I would give up my Olympic ticket to see him go to Paris, fortunately we will both be there together. What dreams are made of. Thank you God.”
“I’m absolutely over the moon for them,” said IABA President Gerry O’Mahony.
“Big day for Irish boxing – but its a big day for every club in Ireland, its a big day for every coach in Ireland. It gives them something to aspire to. The Olympics is our goal, our dream. To have the biggest number – it’s fantastic.”
“Well done to the kids out boxed out there. And to the kids who didn’t make it, it wasn’t for the want of trying. They gave it their all, up to the last bell. We’re very proud of them. We’re proud of them all.”
Six Team Ireland boxers had already qualified: reigning Olympic lightweight champ, Kellie Harrington, and now double Olympians 57kg Michaela Walsh and Aoife O’Rourke. 57kg Jude Gallagher booked his ticket to Paris at the 1st Olympic World Qualifier. 63.5kg Dean Clancy and heavyweight, Jack Marley, qualified at the 2023 European Games.
Ireland is the only European Country to qualify a boxer in each of the six Women’s weight categories, a fantastic achievement.
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