ULSTER’S fearsome four came up trumps at the weekend after bringing back Irish U18 titles from Dublin’s National Stadium.
Following a brilliant semi-final victory over Dublin’s Kai Griffin – a multi-time national champion and European bronze medallist - a final walkover saw Clonard bantam Jamie Graham claim his first Irish crown.
In an interesting twist of fate, it was almost 35 years to the day since Griffin’s uncle, Barcelona ‘92 Olympian Paul, defeated Graham’s uncle Patrick in the same weight class.
Ballyclare banger Scott Thompson - son of former pro Willie - enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a unanimous decision win over Drimnagh’s Aaron Keogh, while Armagh’s Aoife Dougan turned in a superb performance to get the better of six-time Irish champion Carlagh McPeake.
And Sacred Heart Boxing Academy, Belfast’s promising Philip Rooney continued his run of form this year when taking a 3-2 split decision win over Daragh Lawlor in his middleweight final, having accounted for Geesala’s Daniel McDonagh in the semi-final.
As a result, all four will be in the selection mix for the World Youth Championships, which take place in Budva, Montenegro from October 20 to November 6.
Having just lost out in four previous Irish final appearances, picking up this title is a big step for 17-year-old Graham, who is from a famous fighting family in west Belfast.
“They were all very close fights that could have gone his way, so it hasn’t been easy. That’s why it’s great for him to get this first Irish title under his belt, because he has won every other title going,” said father and coach, Peter Graham.
“To be fair to him he has stuck at it, he has been so dedicated since first taking up the sport at six. He puts it in every day, he lives the life and he finally got there.
“He just loves it.”
Sacred Heart are rightly proud of Rooney too as he claimed the north Belfast club’s first Irish title at 75kg.
“It’s been 17 years from the club was last in the stadium, and our first Irish title from the club regrouped in 2020,” read a Facebook post, “well done to all coaches and fighters for the hard work and dedication.”
And Armagh ABC paid tribute to Dougan, describing her as “a true role model” for everybody at the club.
“This victory feels even more special for her,” read a post.
“Aoife is a true role model for everyone at Armagh ABC. She has been relentless in her training all year, whether at the club, with the Armagh-Down development squad or at the Ulster high performance. She constantly pushes her limits.
“As a club and community, we are incredibly proud of her and absolutely over the moon. She was our first All-Ireland champion and is now our first two-time All-Ireland champion.”
