Old rivalries ignite as Kilkenny Boxer Ellie Fenlon takes on Molly Doyle of Tipperary in Dublin this weekend.
Fenlon had a well-deserved win over Sarah Conden from County Tyrone in the semi-final.
Her coach, Ollie O’Neill says Ellie is well-primed for success this Saturday.
“She had a very very tough fight in the semi final but it has prepared her well for what’s coming”.
This will be Ellie’s second All Ireland to contest. She missed out on a medal last year but her coach feels that she has grown significantly as an athlete since then.
“Last year she was beaten just before Christmas. “She’s nervous but we’re after training quare hard for this. We’re after training every night bar Sundays for the last 4 or 5 weeks so she’s in good nick so I’d be confident enough now”.
The 13 year old will be boxing at 51 kilos.
Family Affair
Ellie comes from good stock with boxing deeply rooted in her family.
“Her sister Rachel won an Irish title a few years ago and her cousin Emma Keating is competing in the European U18s”.
The Goresbridge girl has waited a long time to showcase her talents on the national stage.
Long Time Coming
“She started when she was about 9. You can’t box championship until you’re 11 . When 11 came, Covid came too so there was no championship that year”.
We’re in the final again this year so hopefully, she’ll win it against a different opponent of course.
The accomplished boxing coach is backing Fenlon all the way but knows she has a difficult task on her hands.
That girl is Munster Champion so she won’t be that bad either”.
