Seven Clare boxers chase national honours

The national juvenile boxing championships are under way in the National Stadium in Dublin this week , and there are seven Clare boxers in action at the famous venue, with hopes high for three of the much-prized titles.
Brothers Eddie and Paddy O’Donovan both box out of the OLOL club in Limerick City and got their respective aspirations in motion on Tuesday in the 36kg and 39kgs. Youngest sibling Eddie defeated Dubliner Daithi McDonagh on a 9-4 scoreline, while Paddy, who is defending his national title, won comprehensively against Oran McNaughton from Antrim, 14-5 .
All four Ennis boxers weighed in comfortably on Friday last and newcomer Martin Doherty will be the first in action in his 42kg class opener on Thursday and should he come through will box Dubliner Pierce O’Leary for a place in Saturday’s final.
Conor Doyle won the 48kg title last year in his first year in boxing, and has now moved up to the 52kg division in search of further glory. The Ennis BC battler is through to the semi-finals on Friday and coach Tommy Lyons fancies his chances for a second title.
Brian McDonagh is another reigning champion from the Ennis BC nursery and he now relinquishes his 57kg title to do battle for the tougher 63kg prize. He won his opening bout, 9-2, on Wednesday and will box in the semi-final this Thursday in search of a final place on Saturday. Clubmate Mike McDonagh (no relation) steps into the vacuum and will contest Brian’s vacated 57kg title .
All four Ennis contenders will be fancied, but there are some gargantuan battles ahead for all four. The Ennis club has annexed 76 Irish titles in the 50 years history of the club, and it would be a massive achievement if the figure would top the 80 mark come Saturday.