Northern Ireland has officially named its 12-strong boxing team for this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, blending experienced champions with rising stars ready to make their mark on the international stage.
Leading the squad as co-captains are two gold medalists from the 2022 Birmingham Games: Michaela Walsh and Jude Gallagher. They are the only returning champions from Northern Ireland's remarkable five-gold haul four years ago. Walsh, from Belfast, has come a long way since her silver medal finishes at Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018, and she's back to defend her featherweight crown. Gallagher, from County Tyrone, moves up to lightweight this time after his featherweight triumph in Birmingham.
Both captains recently competed at the World Boxing Cup in Brazil, where they were joined by Belfast teammates Jon McConnell and Louis Rooney, who are set to make their Commonwealth Games debuts. McConnell, from Holy Trinity, broke through at the 2024 Irish Elites and will box in the light-middleweight division—the same weight class where Aidan Walsh won gold in 2022. Rooney, from Star ABC, steps up to bantamweight, a division that also brought gold for Dylan Eagleson four years ago.
Rooney's older cousin, John Paul Hale, returns for his second Commonwealth Games, aiming to go further than his first-round exit against Uganda's Joshua Tukamuhebwa in 2022. Antrim's Nicole Clyde is also back for a second Games, now competing at 54kg, and will be looking to improve on her quarterfinal loss to India's Nitu Ghanghas.
The rest of the team features exciting newcomers. Immaculata's Caitlin Fryers earned her flyweight spot after a bronze medal at the recent Strandja Tournament. Holy Trinity's Kaci Rock—daughter of former professional boxer Jim Rock—is selected at welterweight, having claimed Ulster Elite honors in December. Rock's clubmate Janssen Hill also took Ulster honors before Christmas and secures the women's welterweight berth. The team is rounded out by light-heavyweight Eoghan Quinn and heavyweight Garyn M.
With this blend of proven champions and hungry newcomers, Northern Ireland's boxing squad is poised to make a powerful statement in Glasgow. Whether you're cheering from the stands or training in the gym, the spirit of these athletes reminds us that every punch counts on the road to greatness.