The country’s first woman boxing referee said she hopes Katie Taylor’s Olympic gold medal win will encourage some of Ireland’s “experienced” boxing coaches to help more girls join the sport.

DARREN O’NEILL and Paddy Barnes will represent Ireland in the finals of the European senior boxing championships in Moscow today after more outstanding performances from Billy Walsh’s squad in the semi-finals at the Ice Palace yesterday.

Ireland beat France at the National Stadium in Dublin today to claim international Round Robin glory.