William bidding for European glory

INISHOWEN Welterweight William McLaughlin is bidding to add a European medal to his national senior title when he travels with the star studded Ireland squad to the EU Championships in Denmark this weekend. McLaughlin departed with the 10 man team to Paris last Friday where they will spend eight days before travelling from there to Scandanavia for the tournament in the Danish city of Odense. A podium finish at the championships would leave McLaughlin eligible for sports council funding which would allow him to pursue his dream of representing Ireland at the 2010 London Olymics. The Irish team have enjoyed considerable success at the championships in recent years having secured three golds in 2007 and 4 golds at last year’s championships. Their lineup includes Olympic Bronze medalist Paddy Barnes and team captain Kenny Egan who will return to the party for the first time since he sensationally went awol before the International clash with the USA in February.