Third all-Ireland title for Cookstown boxer Ethan McGuckin

The progressive Cookstown Boxing Club has been gaining more success over the past few weeks as another great season comes to a close.
Ethan McGuckin along with his coaches Fred hampsey and chalky Kelly,Ethan McGuckin along with his coaches Fred hampsey and chalky Kelly,
Ethan McGuckin along with his coaches Fred hampsey and chalky Kelly,

Firstly they had two young fighters, Nathan and Jamie McDonagh, going all the way to an all-Ireland final in their first competitive season - a wonderful achievement for both the boys and their proud coaches.

Unfortunately both lost out in very close contests at the final hurdle.

Then it was on to their two reigning Irish champions, Ethan McGuckin and Francis Quinn, and both lads drew very hard-looking quarter-finals in Dublin - and on the same day. And again the two of them performed well and produced the goods to secure semi-final spots.

Quinn’s bout in the last four stage was against his Irish team-mate Gavin Rafferty of St Cianans of Dublin and, in one of the fights of the night, Quinn marginally lost out in a see-saw battle.

McGuckin wasn’t to be outdone in his semi-final,putting in another top class display to book his final place.

On they went into finals day and it was McGuckin who was facing the very strong Oran Carty from Cork.

And he certainly blew away all the silly talk going around about the possibility of an upset in this contest.

He did it, too, with a wonderful display of hard-hitting and crunching body shots to have valiant Carty in all sorts of trouble.

And, on the judges scorecards, he ran out a convincing winner to secure his third all-Ireland title.

It was most certainly some achievement for himself, his coaches and the Cookstown club itself.

Once again the club officials, boxers, members and supporters would like to express their sincere thanks to Moes for their continued support as the main sponsor.

And it almost goes without saying that gratitude also goes to all coaches, boxers and parents for their help and support over the season.

Finally, a reminder that the club will remain open over the summer months for training.

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