Tadgh O’Donnell and (inset): Josh Olaniyan, Tiffany Spencer and Gabrielle Mongan were selected for the Ireland squad
Boxing Four Jobstown boxers named on Ireland squad
THE Irish Boxing team that will compete in the 2026 European U23 Championships has been named with a number of local fighters involved.
Jobstown Boxing Club has four fighters involved with the squad with Tiffany Spencer (a previous bronze medalist), Gabrielle Mongan, Tadgh O’Donnell and Josh Olaniyan all taking part.
Other established members of the team include Natalia Fasciszewska, Cliona D’arcy, Katie O’Keefe, Niamh Keogh, Roy Colgan and Siofra Lawless.
The tournament is a benchmark for boxers transitioning from youth level to elite and is set to take place in November across dates from the 16th to the 24th.
Preparations for the team include nearly 12 weeks of High Performance training and then a series of U23 test matches taking place in October throughout the month at the National Stadium Gym.
The team is managed by Anna Moore of St. Francis BC, and High Performance Coach, James Doyle, is Head Coach for this tournament – he is supported by coaches JP Delaney, Liam Cunningham and Valerie Hamilton (St. Francis BC). On-site athlete support, throughout the tournament, will be provided by Boxing Ireland Athlete Welfare Officer, Aidan Walsh.
Head Coach James Doyle spoke on the upcoming tournament.
” We have a talented group heading to Poreč, with a mix of championship experience and boxers ready to take the next step on the international stage.
‘The work put in over recent months has been excellent, and the October Series has given us a valuable opportunity to assess the squad in competitive conditions.
‘Now it’s about bringing that preparation into the ring, adapting to different opponents and delivering performances that reflect the standards we’ve set as a team.
‘We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
High performance director John Markey also commented.
“The U23 age group is a critical stage in a boxer’s development, bridging the gap between Youth competition and the demands of senior Elite boxing.
‘Providing athletes with meaningful international opportunities at this level is central to our long-term performance strategy.
‘With European and World medallists among the selected squad, this championship offers an important measure of where our athletes are on that journey and the progress being made within our High Performance programme.
‘We wish James, the coaching team and all 18 athletes every success in Poreč as they represent Team Ireland.”
