Olympic and World Elite bronze medallist Michael Conlan and Joe Ward booked tickets into their second European Elite finals in four years in Samokov, Bulgaria yesterday.

Katie Taylor has been left bitterly disappointed, according to her father and trainer Peter, after it was confirmed the Olympic champion will not feature on the undercard of Andy Lee’s world-title defence at Thomond Park next month.

World and Olympic champions Andy Lee and Katie Taylor will be reunited next month.

Irish head coach Billy Walsh is planning to keep Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan busy in quality tournaments ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Boxing