Irish ready for Euro test

THE Irish boxing team will leave for the European Championships in Ankara this weekend with just two medallists from last year’s record-breaking haul of five making the trip.

A sensational run of upsets at the national championships saw Kenneth Egan, Tyrone McCullagh and Eric Donovan relinquish their titles. Only light flyweight champion, Paddy Barnes, who bids to become the first man in Irish boxing history to retain a European title, and silver medallist, Darren O’Neill retain their places.

“It speaks volumes for the array of talent we have,” head coach, Billy Walsh.