Gráinne Walsh retains National Elite crown

Offaly boxer Gráinne Walsh retained her 66kg National Elite title on Saturday night.

Walsh defeated Christina Desmond in the 66kg 2024 final in the National Boxing Stadium on a unanimous verdict.

It's her second national elite title in a row, after she defeated then reigning World, European and Commonwealth champion Amy Broadhurst in the 2023 final in January.

Walsh had overcome Kaci Rock, of the Enniskerry club in Wicklow, in their semi final bout last weekend and met Desmond in the final, after two other big names, Broadhurst and Roscommon fighter, Lisa O'Rourke pulled out through injury.

Broadhurst, despite losing to Walsh in the 2023 final, was chosen as Ireland's female representative in an Olympic qualifying tournament subsequently. However, Broadhurst failed to secure a spot in Paris and a 66kg female fighter from Ireland will now be chosen for a second Olympic qualification event in 2024, with Walsh's victory this weekend an important step forward for her.