ROWLAND AND GARGAN WIN SILVER IN FRANCE

October 31st, 2010 |

Irish Boxing News

BY BERNARD O’NEILL (IABA PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER)

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Ireland’s Christine Gargan and Katie Rowland had to settle for silver from today’s European Youth & Junior Championships finals in Calais, France.

Gargan, from the St Georges BC in Belfast, was beaten 12-1 by Svetlana Dmitrieva of Russia in the 46Kg Junior final.

And Geesala BC flyweight Rowland, a five time Irish champion, was agonisingly edged out on a razor thin 10-9 count-back by Russia’s Victoriya Kuleshava following a 4-4 tie in the 51Kg Youth final.

Nicole Meli, Mikela Walsh, Sarah Close and Clare Grace all claimed bronze at the tournament to ensure that Ireland’s 10-strong squad secured a very impressive haul of six medals from France.

Speaking after today’s finals, Irish coach Pat McDonagh, who was working Ireland’s corner along with John McCormack, said that the girls in green had done Irish boxing proud.

“I thought that Katie did enough to win her final today, but it just didn’t go our way and to tell the truth we’re gutted, said McDonagh, who is Rowland’s coach at the Geesala BC in Mayo. “Katie was absolutely brilliant. She kept pushing forward and she never took a backward step.

“I thought she’d get it when it went to a count-back, but it unfortunately it wasn’t to be. Katie and Christine and the entire Irish squad can be very proud of the way they represented Ireland in France.

“This is their first major international tournament and to be bringing home six medals speaks for itself.Every member of the squad showed tremendous heart and courage and they can be very proud of what they have achieved against some of the best in the world at this level.

“Our girls also showed that Irish women’s boxing is now a force to be reckoned with internationally. The medals are a bonus – a very welcome bonus. To win two silver and four bronze medals at this level is a magnificent achievement by any standard.”

The Irish squad are due to arrive home via Dublin airport tomorrow afternoon. Flight times will be confirmed shortly.