Donnelly has big plans after securing Irish title success

Steven Donnelly believes his boxing career is about to reach a whole new level after winning his first Irish senior title at the weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Mar 2014, 13:00 BST
Steven Donnelly sinks to his knees after being given the verdict in his Irish National Elite Championship welterweight final against reigning champion Adam Nolan. Picture: INPHO.Steven Donnelly sinks to his knees after being given the verdict in his Irish National Elite Championship welterweight final against reigning champion Adam Nolan. Picture: INPHO.
Steven Donnelly sinks to his knees after being given the verdict in his Irish National Elite Championship welterweight final against reigning champion Adam Nolan. Picture: INPHO.

The 24-year-old beat defending champion Adam Nolan on a split decision to land the welterweight crown at the Irish Elite Championships in Dublin on Friday night.

In doing so, he became only the second boxer from All Saints Amateur Boxing Club to win an Irish title after the 2004 success of Dermot Hamill, who was part of Donnelly’s coaching team at the weekend.

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“It was an amazing feeling – difficult to put into words really,” Donnelly told Times Sport.

“I’ve seen the picture of me sinking to my knees (see back page) when I got the decision – it was just a lot of emotion coming out in that one moment.

“I was delighted not only for me but for everyone connected with All Saints – Dermot and TJ Hamill, Gerry Hamill and Tony McAvoy who has looked after me since I was a wee boy.

“Also for all the supporters of the club who travelled down to Dublin and cheered every shot I landed – it was brilliant to win it for them.

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“My corner was telling me they thought I had done enough over the first two rounds to get the decision, but to be honest, I never really know if I’m ahead or behind in fights.

“I just tried to keep him on the back foot, and I could see he was tiring.

“I was also really pleased to win the Best Boxer of the Championships award – I think they maybe looked at the quality of the opponents I had boxed to win it – two boys who have competed at the Olympics.”

Donnelly will have little time to rest on his laurels as he makes an instant return to the National Stadium this weekend as part of an Irish team – selected from the winners of last week’s championships – against Kazakhstan.

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Steven hopes it will be a journey which will become a lot more regular as he seeks to earn a place on the Irish High Performance Squad.

“I have to go down again this week to speak to them about that.

“It is a programme that is grant-funded to allow the boxers selected to concentrate on their training and preparations – it’s more or less being a full-time boxer.

“Winning the Irish title has certainly boosted my profile down South.

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“Before this, I was always there or thereabouts in semi-finals or finals, but more people will know about me now and more people will be gunning for me.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel with various representative teams, but the quality of opposition you would be up against with the Irish High Performance team would be a different level altogether.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time, because it will mean I’m even fitter and stronger for the Commonwealth Games,” added Donnelly, who is virtually certain to be selected for the Northern Ireland boxing squad.