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Boxer Harkin lifts fifth national
title
13.03.08
HAVING celebrated a
world championship medal through its Tug of War B
team a couple of weeks ago, Clonmany found itself
celebrating again this weekend as boxer Paddy Harkin
claimed his fifth national title.
The 16-year old won the Youth 1 63kg (10 stone)
title at the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin on
Saturday night, defeating Thomas Walsh 22-20 on
countback when the fighters were tied 10-10 at the
end of their contest.
Light welterweight Harkin got a standing ovation as
he came from behind to defeat Christy Joyce from
Athy in Friday night’s semi-final on a score of
13-11. |
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“They were level four
times and it was a very exciting fight,” said
Paddy’s mother Eileen Harkin. “Joyce’s club is a
very prominent one and have had a number of title
winners, but Paddy proved too good on the night.”
He was back in the ring less than 24 hours later for
the final against Thomas Walsh from St Nicholas’ in
Waterford. “It was just punch for punch the whole
way through,” Eileen said. “And when it went to
countback it was very nerve wracking. It’s unfair on
both fighters, but I suppose they have to find a
winner.” |
“Fighting two nights
running is a bit sore on the body, but at least he
has another national title to console him,” Mrs
Harkin added. Harkin took the title 22-20 on
countback and adds the Youth 1 national title to
those he won at Youth 2, Boy 4, Boy 3 and Cadet
titles. Five national under-age titles is believed
to be a record for a Donegal boxer.
Harkin was one of just two Donegal fighters to claim
a title at the weekend with Finn Valley’s Jason
Quigley having a comfortable win in the 66kg
division.
Having won all there is to win at youth level,
Harkin will now move up to the junior ranks (for
16-18 year-olds) and will compete in the All-Ireland
junior finals in May. He resumed training last night
and will be training seven days a week between now
and then.
“He’s very focused and committed,” his mother said.
“He’s content with his weight and will be happy to
get back with his friends who are now fighting at
junior level.”
Local fight fans will get the chance to see him in
action in the St Brigid’s invitational tournament
that will take place in the Strand Hotel in
Ballyliffin on 4 April, with the first fight at 8pm.
Tomorrow night (Wednesday), St Brigid’s next
generation of young fighters will be trying to reach
the national finals in their age groups. Six
Clonmany fighters won through the North West zones
meeting at Finn Valley on Sunday. The winners from
tomorrow night’s bouts will qualify for the national
finals at under-11 to under-13 level.
“The club is really booming since Paddy went to
Azerbaijan last year,” Mrs Harkin said. “The
youngsters saw what could be done if they dedicate
themselves to the sport. To be fair to them, they’ve
put their heads down and are giving 100%. We hope to
get a couple of them through to the nationals.” |
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