Two of Tredagh Boxing Academy’s boxers won their All Ireland Cadet Championships during the summer and were selected to represent Ireland in the European Junior Boxing Championships in Italy.
Callum Carragher booked his place in the quarter finals by winning his first bout against Kosovan Champion Morina with a unanimous decision from the judges.
Grace Conway received a bye in the preliminary rounds in the 50 kg section so her first contest was against Daria Makhrova of Ukraine in the quarter finals.
Grace produced the perfect fight against the strong Ukrainian Champion and won all three rounds by unanimous decision to guarantee a bronze medal.
In the quarter finals Callum came up against Mahammadali Gasimzade (Azerbaijan) in a tough three round battle. Callum boxed extremely well at range and used his angles to great effect but the decision went to the Azerbaijan boxer who went on to win the European Gold medal.
Massive kudos is due to Callum though. What a great year this kid has had. He has won Leinster, All Ireland Cadet Titles, beaten the English Champion in England and represented his country at European level.
Grace boxed Humeyra Balta (Turkey) in the European semi-final which promised to be a close affair after Balta’s impressive win over Serbia in her quarter final.
Grace started very fast using her peppering jab and exquisite range to set up her long range combinations. At the end of the first round she was awarded the round on all five of the judges’ cards with one giving her a 10-8 round.
Grace Conway and Callum Carragher pictured with Coach Padraig McCullough at Tredagh Boxing Academy prior to travelling to Italy for the European Junior Boxing Championships.
In the second round the Turk tried to up the tempo but she continually walked onto Graces straight punching combinations.
With one foot in the final going into the last round, Grace continued to press the pace. The talented Tredagh Boxer showed her quality and skill set from start to finish to win a unanimous decision and trade her bronze medal for at least a silver medal in the European Championships.
Grace faced the current European Champion Alice Pumphrey (England) in a thriller of a final. Grace boxed fantastically at range but the final verdict went to the English girl.
On a different day it could have easily been a different verdict but there could be no qualms about the decision. Well Done to England and Alice.
There can be no doubt that Grace has an amazing future in the ring. To win a European Silver Medal for Ireland and for Tredagh in her first year boxing is no mean achievement.
Tredagh Boxing Academy spokesperson Padraig McCullough told Drogheda Life that everyone at the club is very proud of their two young boxing International hero’s.
“They both represented their country and community with honour and dignity while gaining invaluable experience at European Level” he said. “Well Done Paceie and Cobra!”
Tredagh Boxing Academy have experienced an amazing season winning seven All Ireland Titles and two Silver Medals, while winning titles on the international stage in Sweden, England and a silver medal in Italy.
Tredagh will celebrate its tenth anniversary on 11th December in McHughs Function room in Drogheda with its inaugural Coca Cola ‘Paddy “Boo” Mc Cullough” boxing tournament featuring a Tredagh Selection V Ireland Selection. The first bout starts at 2.30 pm. All are welcome to join in the celebrations and cheer on our local talent.
