In an electrifying finale to the All Ireland U19 Boxing Championships at the National Stadium, Dublin, Grace Conway once again etched her name in Irish boxing history by capturing her ninth All-Ireland title, delivering a dominant and tactically astute performance gainst Dublin’s Alexis O’Brien of Nutgrove Boxing Club.
The much-anticipated bout, held under the spotlight of a packed finals night, drew supporters from across the country, including a large and vocal contingent from Tredagh Boxing Academy, eager to witness another chapter in Conway’s storied career.
From the opening bell, it was clear that this was a clash of elite level operators. O’Brien, a tall and technically sound orthodox fighter, claimed the centre of the ring and attempted to dictate the pace.
However, Conway, displaying her trademark composure and sharp ring IQ, engaged in a tactical chess match that defined the first round.
Both athletes feinted intelligently, each striving to gain positional advantage, but it was Conway’s ability to manage distance that set her apart. She continually used her jab to initiate two-punch combinations and exited exchanges with poise.
Her backhand cross served as a key weapon, especially when countering O’Brien’s advances, allowing her to edge a tense but controlled opening round.
With the initial round serving as a calculated feeling-out process, Conway shifted gears impressively in the second. From the first exchange, a new urgency was evident as she doubled her output and began to apply significant pressure.
When O’Brien attempted to assert herself, Conway neutralized the attacks, blocking jabs and responding with crisp, accurate combinations.
A particularly punishing double backhand cross midway through the round forced O’Brien into her own corner, where Conway unleashed a barrage of heavy shots, prompting the referee to administer the first standing count of the fight.
Maintaining her composure, Conway resumed the onslaught with a seven-punch combination that concluded with another thudding backhand, sending O’Brien retreating to the ropes.
The referee was again forced to step in with a second standing count. Sensing the moment, Conway surged forward with relentless combinations, mixing speed and power, and her final backhand strike landed clean through the guard. The referee counted O’Brien out, bringing an emphatic end to the contest.
The performance marked yet another milestone in what has already been an exceptional year for Conway. With two international victories over Wales and France under her belt, captaining Ireland in one of those fixtures, her case for selection to the upcoming European U19 Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic, has never been stronger.
A two-time European silver medalist, Conway will now enter High Performance Training with the national squad in preparation for the September championship.
This All-Ireland triumph also marks the fourth national title this season for Tredagh Boxing Academy, a testament to the club’s growing reputation on the domestic circuit.
Looking ahead, the club shows no signs of slowing down. A 15 strong U15 team is set to compete at the Manchester International Box Cup next weekend, while also on the same weekend an U 11 team contest the prestigious Monkstown International Box Cup, ensuring a packed and competitive off-season for the club.
Grace Conway’s victory was more than just a win, it was a masterclass in preparation, adaptability, and execution. Her continued success not only elevates her personal career but also serves as a beacon for Irish boxing’s bright future.
With international opportunities on the horizon and national accolades in the rear view mirror, all eyes now turn to Ostrava as Conway sets her sights on European gold.
