Arklow boxers serve up a tournament treat
A LARGE crowd of parents and supporters attended Wednesday night's tournament and enjoyed the performances of the up and coming boxers from Arklow, St Ibars, Gorey and Ballagh.
And if their performances were anything to go by the sport of boxing in Wicklow and Wexford can look forward to a great future.
Because most of the bouts were underage no decisions were made but this did not stop the boxers give it everything.
First into the ring was a 3 way spar with Cillian Corkery (St. Ibars), Pairic Earls (Gorey) and Aaron Kirwan (Ballagh). All three were strong but small in stature and had a great battle
Next up were Thomas Lynch (Arklow) and Joe Devereux (St Ibars). Lynch was getting caught while attacking but this bout finished very even in the end.
Bout three saw Oran Walker from Arklow and Marcus Myles Sheridan of Gorey tackle each other. Sheridan had the longer reach but Walker counter attacked brilliantly in what was a real crowd pleaser.
Arklow's Aaron O'neill started slow against Danny O Neill from St. Ibars but caught up in Round 3. Jack Cassidy (Gorey) and James Cullen (Ballagh) gave a good display.
Aaron Tuke from Arklow and Lee O'connor from Ballagh had a good all action combination punching fight and Darragh Kenneddy (Gorey) and Paul Leonard (St Ibars) boxed well.
Liam Moore (Arklow) and Sean Crowley (Arklow) were up against Jack Roche and Kalem Dobbs (both Ballagh).
The fights started slowly but both Arklow boxers had the longer reach over their opponents. The bouts got going in the second and third round and all four boxers gave it their all.
James Sibley (Gorey) and Martin O'connor (Ballagh) fought toe to toe and it would have been difficult to pick a winner. Paddy Mckenzie, Arklow's newest Wexford Open champion had the lead all the way against Lee Hore (Ballagh) and Arklow's Darragh Godkin done well against Luke Rogan (Sheil St. Ibars).
In a tremendous contest of combination punching, defensive moves, and skill and fitness Aaron Lyons of Arklow and Paddy Nolan from Gorey who are both entering the Leinster youths this weekend delighted the crowd and most neutral observers would admit Aaron came out on top over the 3 rounds.
Each boxer has met on many occasions and always give it their best. Arklow Boxing club wish the best to their three boxers Aaron Lyons, David Comerford and Darragh Keenan who participate in the Leinster championships this week.
