Mayo boxing star Shannon reaches European championship final in Belgrade

Mayo boxer Shannon Sweeney has qualified for the final of the women's 50kg light flyweight division at the 2024 European Boxing Championships at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia.

A member of St. Anne's Boxing Club, Westport, she secured a silver medal for Ireland by defeating Anush Grigoryan of Armenia, a World Youth finalist in 2013, in her penultimate round clash today.

She will be hoping to seal a gold medal in the final at the weekend while her prize money is a guaranteed $10,000 as a result of this victory.

Westport Councillor Brendan Mulroy has lauded her achievement, describing Shannon as 'an absolute legend.'

"She now has a silver medal at least with a shot at gold to come.

"Unbelievable scenes. Take a bow Martin Brennan and St. Anne's Boxing Club," he added on his Facebook page.

Congratulations are being paid to her on social media.

"Massive congratulations Shannon. You worked so hard for this and you deserve it," one stated.

"A serious achievement," another said.

"You are amazing," another well-wisher posted.