National titles captured by Mayo boxers
Fresh from picking up the boxing award at The Connaught Telegraph Mayo Young Sportstars of the Year Awards 2025 in Breaffy House Hotel on Friday night, Michael Mullaney captured an All-Ireland boxing title in Dublin on Saturday, writes Aiden Henry.
The Balla native, who is attached to Claremorris Boxing Club, travelled to Dublin on Friday night and was in the ring on Saturday afternoon to contest the All-Ireland Junior 1 Championship final.
Once again, this 15-year-old boxer gave a five-star performance before he was crowned champion on a unanimous decision by defeating Donegal boxer Jude McLoughlin.
Once Michael’s hand was raised as the winner, it sparked massive celebrations amount his huge band of supporters who had travelled up to the national stadium for the fight. These celebrations carried on into the night.
For his homecoming back to Claremorris, a huge crowd turned out to meet their star boxer.
“We were confident that Michael was going to win the final and we probably knew before his hand was raised that he had done enough, but it was absolutely brilliant when it happened. It has been a great journey,” said club coach Ray Charles.
“There was great build up to the final. Getting The Connaught Telegraph award on Friday was a massive boost to Michael and to everyone who supported him. We all hit off for Dublin in confident mood.
“The whole weekend was really emotional, because the whole Mullaney family and his great band of supporters travelled up from Balla and Claremorris to support him in the final,” said Ray.
After winning this national final, Michael will now take part in the Four Nations Championships (involving Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales), which will be held in April. After that he will be taking part in the cadets championship.
There is little doubt that we will be hearing a lot more about this young and exciting boxer in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, congratulations also to Cathal Conlon on his recent All-Ireland title. The Ballyhaunis Boxing Club member won his first national title in the Junior 1 63kg category, and we are likely to hear a lot more about this young man and his exploits in the ring in future times too.