Twelve boxers have booked their places in the 2026 National Elite Championship finals after the opening day of semi-final action at the National Stadium. Crucially, the session marked the return of double Olympic champion Kellie Harrington to elite competition.
Harrington progressed in style and set up a 60kg final against reigning champion Kellie McLoughlin of St Catherine’s BC, Dublin. McLoughlin impressed earlier in the evening with a dominant 5-0 win over Ulster Elite champion Ella McDonald of Corpus Christi BC, Belfast. Meanwhile, Harrington renewed her rivalry with Tramore BC’s Zara Breslin and claimed a clear 5-0 decision.
Elsewhere, Ide Cashell of Ballymun BC booked her place in the 48kg final after a unanimous win over Carol Coughlan of Monkstown BC. As a result, she will now face European U23 bronze medallist Tiffany Spencer of Jobstown BC in an all-Dublin showdown.
At 50kg, two strong semi-final wins set up a mouth-watering final. Double European U23 medallist Louis Rooney of Star BC, Belfast, advanced with a 5-0 victory over Ricky Nesbitt. Likewise, multiple Elite champion Sean Mari of Monkstown BC eased past Antonio Bozkaya with another unanimous decision.
In the 55kg division, world bronze medallist Patsy Joyce discovered his final opponent after Clepson dos Santos of Holy Trinity BC edged past Scott Thompson by 4-1. Meanwhile, at 57kg, Michaela Walsh and Sarah Cunningham both advanced comfortably. Consequently, Walsh will now meet Cunningham in the final on January 17.
The women’s 65kg final will see Dublin take on Cork. Gráinne Walsh defeated Ava Henry by unanimous decision, while Linda Desmond overcame reigning Ulster champion Kaci Rock to book her place.
At 75kg, Jobstown BC’s Tadgh O’Donnell progressed by walkover. In addition, his clubmate Josh Olaniyan secured a spot in the 80kg final with a convincing win over James Whelan. He will now face Waterford’s Kelyn Cassidy.
Looking ahead, the second session of semi-finals takes place on Friday, January 16, from 6.30 pm. Importantly, Paris Olympians Jack Marley, Dean Clancy, Daina Moorehouse, and Jennifer Lehane will all be in action.
There were also two champions crowned by walkover. Emma Keating claimed the 80kg title, while Cliona D’Arcy secured gold at 80kg+.
Overall, the opening session delivered high-quality boxing and several standout performances. As a result, anticipation is already building for finals night at Ireland’s premier amateur boxing event.
