Frenchpark Boxing Club had a number of its members, namely Martin Ward at Youth/44kgs, Niall Tarmey at Youth/66kgs, Liam Green at Youth/70kgs and Matthew O’Sullivan at Youth/75kgs, participating at the Connacht Boxing Championships in Westport, Co. Mayo recently. Martin Warde was the only entry at his weight and received a walk-over. Niall Tarmey was opposed by Brian Birrane (Golden Gloves, Belmullet), a good tough and more experienced boxer. Liam Treacy was also appearing for his first time in the ring and did extremely well against another Golden Gloves boxer in Shane McDonnell. This was a very close contest with McDonnell shading the verdict. Liam Greene, in his second contest of his career, was opposed by Sean Mahon (Loughrea BC). This contest didn’t last long as Greene set about getting it over sooner rather than later and the bout was stopped in the opening round when the referee intervened after giving two standing counts to lead Mahon back to his corner, thus giving Greene his first win for the Frenchpark Club. His opponent in the final was Patrick McDonagh (Annagh BC, Ballyhaunis). This was a non-stop contest where the power and boxing skills of Greene outwitted the Mayo champion. Liam was declared winner on points and thus goes on to contest the Irish championships at the National Stadium in Dublin. Matthew O’Sullivan’s first opponent was Peter McDonnell (Midfield BC). This contest was very brief as O’Sullivan produced a combination of punches to stop O’Donnell in the very first minute. Matthew’s next opponent was James O’Malley (Castlebar BC). This bout didn’t take place as O’Malley withdrew due to a shoulder injury, leaving O’Sullivan in the Connacht Final where faced Sean Concannon (Furbo BC). This opponent had got two decisions over Matthew in the last few years. This time O’Sullivan was intent on reversing those verdicts and that he certainly did. He was in control over the 3 rounds and boxed really well to defeat the former national title holder. Matthew O’Sullivan travelled to Dublin on Friday, February 29th last. Liam Greene is due to meet Martin Maguire (Dealgan BC, Co. Louth) on this Friday, March 7th. O’Sullivan entered into the Youth Two 75kgs division. His first opponent was Michael McGahon (St. Joseph’s BC, Derry), the Ulster champion. Matthew had no fears and produced a splendid round of boxing to lead 13-1 at the end of the opening round, where he completely outpointed his opponent with some great combinations and body punches. This was continued at the start of the round 2 and within sixty seconds the contest was stopped because McGahon had no answer to the Connacht Champion. Matthew’s next opponent will be the experienced John McDonagh of Brosna Boxing Club, Co. Westmeath, the Leinster champion. Good luck to Liam and Matthew on Friday next.
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