PADDY MCSHANE LEAPT for joy in the famous ring at The National Stadium in Dublin today after being crowned Boy 3 3kgs champion.
The Letterkenny Boxing Club man took a unanimous decision against MJ O’Brien from Fr Horgan’s in the decider.
McShane was on song for a magnificent win and his performance left the judges with no doubt.
McShane had beaten Jonathan O’Donnell, last year’s Irish champion, from Three Bridges, 2-1 in his semi-final.
“It’s a proud day for the club and it’s great to see a national title back in the club,” said Letterkenny BC vice-president and coach Stephen McLaughlin.
“Paddy was top notch today. He boxed brilliant and he’s been in great form anyway.
“He was really on form in the final. His father, Rory, does most of his coaching and has to take a lot of the credit for this win.
“Paddy had a tough route to the final, but he got better with each fight. He’s been tipping away at the door, but this is great for him. Winning titles makes the hard work all worthwhile.”
There was no joy for Letterkenny’s Dylan Browne-McMonagle, who lost out to Michael Maughan (Olympic) 3-0 in the Boy 2 33kgs final. Browne-McMonagle had beaten Charlie Whelan (Crumlin) and William O’Reilly (St Francis), both unanimously, on his way to the final.
Dungloe’s Pauric O’Donnell was beaten by Eoghan Lavin from Ballyhaunis in the Boy 2 57kgs final. Lavin stopped O’Donnell in the third round.
O’Donnell had dispatched Jack Burke (St Brigid’s Kildare) and Jack Connolly (Clonmel) to reach the final.
