Aoife O’Rourke has been selected for the European Games in Poland, this month.
The multi-sport Games offers a key opportunity for team Ireland boxers to achieve Olympic qualification. Importantly, there are up to four Paris 2024 quota spots across each boxing category to be awarded.
Castlerea boxer O’Rourke will compete in her 75kg class. Indeed Olympic champion Kellie Harrington (60kg) joins O'Rourke in Poland. World champion Amy Broadhurst (66kg) has also been named.
“This is an exceptional team with enormous potential” declared head coach Zauri Antia. “Their preparations in training camps and competitions this year have been excellent.
“I have great faith in every member of the team to perform to the very best of their ability at the European Games, up-holding boxing as Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport.”
Indeed, Ireland is one of the highest-ranked countries going into the boxing tournament. Undoubtedly, the team boasting multiple world and European medallists.
While medals and podiums will be in the minds of the athletes. Subsequently, the key focus for the boxing team will be to progress through the relevant rounds that will secure them Paris Olympic qualification.
The boxing programme in Krakow spans almost the full competition, running from June 23rd to July second. While the medals will be decided on the final two days. However, all eyes will be on the June 28 and 30, when the Olympic qualification spots will be decided. Whereas, the Nowy Targ Arena, almost 100km from Krakow City, hosts the compeition.
Team Ireland boxers
Daina Moorehouse (Bray, Co. Wicklow) Women’s 50kg
Jennifer Lehane (Ashbourne, Co. Meath) Women’s 54kg
Michaela Walgh (Belfast, Co. Antrim) Women’s 57kg
Kellie Harrington (Dublin) Women’s 60kg
Amy Broadhurst (Dundalk, Co. Louth) Women’s 66kg
Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea, Co. Roscommon) Women’s 75kg
Sean Mari (Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin) Men’s 51kg
Jude Gallagher (Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone) Men’s 57kg
Dean Clancy (Sligo) Men’s 63.5kg
Dean Walsh (Wexford) Men’s 71kg
Kelyn Cassidy (Ballybeg, Waterford) Men’s 80kg
Jack Marley (Sallynoggin, Co. Dublin) Men’s 92kg
The European Games run from June 20th to July second in Krakow and will see approximately 120 Irish athletes across 17 sports.
Indeed, this is the third edition of the European Games. A multi-sport event run by the European Olympic committees and will see athletes compete across districts in the Krakow-Malopolska region.
Here are the medals of the European Games 😍
They were created using refining and recycling processes.
And with their design they refer to the Polish history and traditions of the region.#EuropeanGames2023 #EG2023 #WeAreUnity @PKN_ORLEN pic.twitter.com/F80sh2LWMX
— European Games 2023 (@eg2023en) June 5, 2023
