National Boxing title for Harley and Abbey

OVER the last couple of weekends, Sacred Heart Boxing Club had two boxers compete in the National Senior Cadet Championships in the National Boxing Stadium.

These act as a qualifier for the Europeans and first up for the Killinarden Club was Harley Salinger boxing in the 44kg semi-finals against Callum Keilty from Golden Cobra.

Salinger secured the victory in Round One, after a strong performance which was stopped by the referee.

Abbey Molloy was next up for Sacred Heart in the 46kg who also drew a semi-final against southpaw Tess Ormond from St Paul’s BC in Waterford.

Abbey came out tops 5-0 and grew in confidence as the contest progressed to secure a place in the finals.

After convincing wins in the semi both boxers faced stiff opposition in the final.

Harley Salinger faced Mikey McDonagh from Avona Boxing Club in the 44kg final in what was a high-end battle between two top class boxers.

The judges awarded Harley the decision 5.0 with his speed and work rate being the difference.

Harley is now four times national champion and from this success he now joins Team Ireland in squad training.

Abbey Molloy faced an old foe in her 46kg final in Ellie O’Brien from Tramore BC in Waterford.

These girls boxed each other in two All-Ireland finals previously, O’Brien winning the first on a 3.2 and Molloy winning the second on a 5.0.

With both girls having something to prove they started fast and it wasn’t long before Abbey started finding her range with a brilliant lead hand work setting up the back hand controlling all three rounds to take the decision on a 5.0 unanimous lifting her 5th national title.

Abbey now joins Team Ireland in squad training in the hope of been selected for the European Championships in Bosnia in June.

Abbey won a bronze medal in the European’s in 2022 Head coach Tommy Hanrahan puts this success down to the hard work and commitment put in by a brilliant young team of boxers and coaches who leave no stone unturned.