Fab five head south for nationals

FIVE young Inishowen boxers travel to Dublin’s National Stadium next Friday (February 29) to compete in the national championships after landing Ulster titles in Coalisland at the weekend. Illies Golden Gloves boxer Bobby Ivers (boy 4) won his fight by 14-7 to make his fourth national final in a row. The 14-year-old is seeking his second All-Ireland crown, having won the boy 1 category three years ago. The Golden Gloves fighter is joined by St Brigid’s ABC star Paddy Harkin (youth 2), who will be aiming for his fourth successive national title. Buncrana boxing club’s Ruairi Connolly (youth 1) and Carn ABC pair Shane McColgan (boy 4) and Patrick Doherty (youth 1) will also be competing for national crowns. Donegal bagged an astounding 15 of the 16 titles up for grabs at the Ulsters, and Golden Gloves coach Eamon Duffy believes the introduction of a weekly training session bringing together all the Donegal clubs has been a key factor in the county’s resounding success. Duffy told Inish Times Sport: “All the lads travel Convoy every Sunday morning to train together, and I think it’s a great thing. “For Donegal to land 15 of the 16 Ulster titles going is some achievement, and hopefully the county will be just as strong in the nationals next week.” Meanwhile, Illies boxer William McLaughlin is set to make his senior debut for Ireland. The talented welterweight is on the squad that will face England in a two-day international in Mayo and Sligo this coming Thursday and Friday.