World Boxing Championships silver medalists Aoife and Lisa O'Rourke were given a hero's welcome at their homecoming in Castlerea Boxing Club last night. The sisters, who hail from Tarmon just outside Castlerea, were both defeated in Sunday's finals at the IBA Womens World Boxing Championships in Serbia.
Both were on the wrong side of unanimous decisions against Russian opponents following sensational runs to their respective deciders. Former Olympian Aoife was beaten 5-0 by Russia’s Anastasia Shamonova in the 75kg final while younger sister Lisa lost 5-0 to Elena Gapeshina in the 70kg final.
Both girls earned €46,000 in prize money each following their impressive displays. Dan Dooner was in Castlerea last night where he spoke to both Aoife and Lisa:
He started by asking Aoife about how she felt arriving into Castlerea Boxing Club:
In a touching moment, the sisters presented Castlerea boxing coach Paddy Sharkey with a medal given to them by IBA for someone who inspires them.
Dan spoke to Paddy about the heartfelt gesture in the ring last night:
