Young Limerick boxer wins Irish Junior Cadet title

LIMERICK'S Denny O’Neill from St Francis boxing club in the city won the U12 Irish Junior Cadet title at the weekend after beating Brooklyn Quilligan of Kerry in the final.

Dinny, as he is more fondly known in the boxing circle, had to compete three weekends in a row to collect the Junior Cadet title.

He adds this title to his collection after already winning the National title in April, pulling off a remarkable double of two Irish crowns in one season.

The U12 Irish Junior Cadet title fight was a tight affair for two rounds but O’Neill had the extra gear when required in the final round and pulled away to capture his third National title.

Club president Derek Duhig said everyone in the club is delighted for the likeable young man.

He explained by saying: "Dinny trains very hard and even when he had a couple of setbacks during the season including a loss he didn’t let it get him down but was straight back in the gym the next day looking to improve. That’s the true sign of a champion".

O'Neill will now go forward for selection for the Irish team as number one choice at his age group for any upcoming international fixtures.