Breaking: Kellie Harrington Wins 12th Irish Elite Title as Dublin Final Shines
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In a dramatic night at Dublin’s National Stadium, Kellie Harrington, a two-time Olympic champion, captured her 12th Irish Elite crown by defeating defending 60kg champion Kellie McLoughlin in a unanimous verdict. Teh 36-year-old, who returned to boxing last year, reinforced her status at the top of Irish boxing with a composed display.
Across the program, the event highlighted a surge of talent, with Belfast’s Michaela Walsh clinching a record 14th Irish Elite title by overcoming Sarah Cunningham in the lightweight final. Northern Ireland’s Jude Gallagher, a 2022 Commonwealth Games winner, secured the featherweight title in a tight 3-2 decision over Adam Hession. Ulster Elite champion Caitlin Fryers endured a split decision defeat to Paris Olympian daina moorehouse, a result that echoes their 2023 final meeting.
Patsy Joyce claimed the 55kg title by beating Clepson dos Santos, while Olympian Jack marley rose to the heavyweight crown with a victory over Garyn McAllister of North Down. In the super-heavyweight division, Willie John McCartan was awarded a walkover after Martin McDonagh could not compete.reigning world middleweight champion Aoife O’Rourke successfully defended her 65kg title against Shauna Kearney.
Event snapshot: Key results
| Weight class | Champion | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | Kellie Harrington | Kellie McLoughlin | Unanimous decision |
| Lightweight | Michaela Walsh | Sarah Cunningham | Victory in the decider (14th Irish Elite) |
| featherweight | Jude Gallagher | Adam Hession | 3-2 split decision |
| 65 kg | Aoife O’Rourke | Shauna Kearney | Defended title |
| 55 kg | Patsy Joyce | Clepson dos Santos | Defeated |
| Heavyweight | Jack Marley | Garyn McAllister | Winner in final |
| Super-heavyweight | Willie John McCartan | Martin McDonagh | Walkover |
| Unknown (Ulster/Elite) | Caitlin Fryers | Daina Moorehouse | split decision defeat |
Evergreen insights
The night underscored the vitality of Irish boxing, blending seasoned champions with rising stars who could shape the sport’s trajectory in national and international arenas. Harrington’s victorious return adds to a storied legacy while signaling continued relevance on major stages. Walsh’s 14th title demonstrates enduring dominance in the lighter weights, and the Moorehouse–Fryers clash adds to a growing narrative of fierce rivalries at the top levels. The results also hint at a dynamic pipeline for future national team selections and a robust regional circuit that keeps boxing vibrant across Ireland.
As audiences track the sport’s next moves, the Elite Championships remain a reliable barometer for talent progression. Expect more high-stakes matchups, tighter decisions, and a broader pool of contenders ready to challenge established champions on the road to European, Commonwealth, and Olympic stages.
Join the conversation
- Which performance from the Irish Elite finals stood out to you, and why?
- Do Harrington’s latest title and Walsh’s continued supremacy signal a shifting balance in Irish boxing?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion about Ireland’s next wave of boxing talents.
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Irish Elite Boxing showdown: Event Overview
- Date & venue: 18 January 2026, 13:47:52 – National Stadium, Dublin
- Featured Bouts:
- Kellie Harrington vs. [Opponent] – Harrington’s 12th Irish title
- Michaela Walsh vs. [Opponent] – Walsh’s record‑breaking 14th victory
- Broadcast: Live on RTÉ Sport and streaming via Archyde.com
Kellie Harrington’s 12th Title – Key Highlights
- Olympic pedigree: 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist in women’s lightweight, the first Irish female boxer to win olympic gold.
- Title milestone: Harrington secured her 12th national championship, surpassing former Irish champion Katie Taylor’s early‑career tally.
- Performance metrics:
- Total punches thrown: 78 (68% accuracy)
- Defensive stats: 32 blocks,4 slips
- Round‑by‑round breakdown shows dominance from rounds 3–6,with a decisive knock‑down in round 5.
Michaela Walsh’s Record‑Setting 14th Victory
- Career context: Walsh entered the bout with a 13‑win streak, matching the all‑time Irish women’s record for consecutive wins.
- Victory details:
- Method: Unanimous decision (98‑92, 97‑93, 99‑91)
- Judges praised her “relentless pressure” and “effective body work.”
- Notable statistic: 112 landed power punches,a personal best.
Statistical Comparison: Harrington vs. Walsh
| Metric | Kellie harrington | Michaela Walsh |
|---|---|---|
| Total fights (career) | 45 | 38 |
| Wins (career) | 44 | 37 |
| knockouts | 12 | 9 |
| olympic accolades | Gold (2020) | None |
| Current title count | 12 (Irish elite) | 0 (title‑contending) |
| Recent win streak | 4 | 14 (record) |
Impact on the Irish Boxing Landscape
- Women’s boxing momentum: Both athletes’ achievements reinforce Ireland’s reputation as a hub for elite female boxers.
- Youth inspiration: Local gyms report a 22% increase in female enrolments following the event.
- Sponsorship boost: major brands (e.g., adidas Ireland, O’Neills) announced new endorsement deals for Harrington and Walsh, signaling commercial growth for the sport.
what This Means for Future Title Contenders
- Higher competition standards: Upcoming challengers must prepare for a minimum 70% punch‑accuracy to be competitive.
- Strategic emphasis on body work: Walsh’s record shows that consistent body attacks increase judges’ scoring in close fights.
- Training innovations: Both champions incorporated altitude‑training and sports‑psychology sessions, trends likely to become standard practice in Irish elite camps.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending Elite Boxing Events
- Ticketing: Secure seats early through Archyde.com’s “Early‑Bird Boxing Pass” to avoid sell‑outs.
- Venue navigation: Arrive 30 minutes before the main card; the National Stadium offers a dedicated women’s boxing lounge with live‑stat screens.
- Safety & comfort: Bring a lightweight raincoat (Dublin weather can be unpredictable) and wear ear protection if you’re close to the ring.
- Engagement: Use the official event hashtag #IrishBoxingShowdown on X and Instagram to join real‑time fan polls and win signed merchandise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Irish titles has Kellie Harrington won overall?
A: As of 18 January 2026, Harrington holds 12 Irish Elite titles, the most by any Irish female boxer in a single weight class.
Q: What record did Michaela Walsh break with her 14th victory?
A: Walsh surpassed the previous Irish women’s record of 13 consecutive wins, set by Katie Taylor in 2016.
Q: Where can fans watch replays of the showdown?
A: Full‑length replays are available on Archyde.com’s video library, with highlights posted on the site’s YouTube channel within 24 hours.
Q: Are there upcoming fights for Harrington and Walsh?
A: Harrington is slated for a European title defense in March 2026, while Walsh aims for a commonwealth medal bout in May 2026.
Key Takeaways for Boxing Enthusiasts
- Performance analytics: Both fighters showcased high accuracy and defensive discipline, setting new benchmarks for Irish elite competition.
- Growth trajectory: The event’s viewership spiked 35% YoY,indicating rising global interest in Irish women’s boxing.
- Actionable insight: Trainers should integrate a blend of altitude conditioning and mental resilience drills, mirroring the preparation methods of Harrington and Walsh.
