Two IT Sligo students in the process of establishing a boxing club on campus showed their own sporting mettle at the weekend, when they scooped national boxing titles in Dublin.
Maria Faney (19) from Ballinacarrow and John Tighe (18) from Ballymote took home IABA Intermediate Boxing titles in their respective weight divisions. Both are members of the Ballinacarrow Boxing Club in Co Sligo and are recipients of awards under the IT Sligo Sports Scholarship.
For Maria, a 2nd year student in Health, Science and Physiology, boxing in the 57kgs weight division, it was all the more remarkable, as she only took up serious training three years ago. She only started boxing competitively two years ago.
Maria was initially encouraged to take up the sport, as two brothers, one her twin, had already taken to the ring. She also wanted to get fitter.
“That’s how it all started. I felt it would be a good way to get fit and it developed from there. I won an under 21 national title in 2009, but last weekend was great. I’m over the moon as the last time I boxed my final opponent, she got me in the first round. So it was big progress,” she said.
Maria refutes the claim that boxing is dangerous, pointing out that she wears guards to protect vulnerable areas of the body. While unaware of world boxing champion Katie Taylor at the beginning of her own boxing career, she now believes that the Irish sports hero is a perfect role model for Irish sportswomen everywhere.
Maria also admits that she does not talk about boxing to her fellow students, as she believes that some people look down on girls’ boxing, something she hopes will change very soon:
“I’m not into boasting about myself anyway, but it has been a huge benefit to my self confidence. I have met a great many people through the sport. As a self defence or recreational activity I would highly recommend it to any young girl.”
She now hopes to win a college title for IT Sligo next March and is also keeping an eye on the 2011 IABA Senior boxing championships – but not before putting her studies first.
Meanwhile John Tighe was equally delighted with his success in the 75kgs category at the National championships. A 2nd year student in Recreation and Leisure, his victory was all the more memorable because he defeated a highly respected international boxer.
John has been boxing nine years. Last year he won two national boxing titles at junior level. He also represented his country in Germany and Lithuania last year.
Reflecting on his latest victory he remarked:
“I was both surprised and delighted as my final opponent was with me on the Irish team last year. He boxed in the world championships and was only defeated by the eventual world champion, by just a few points, so it was a big win.”
John’s ultimate ambition is to represent Ireland at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, but he realises that there is a huge amount of work involved in the meantime. That includes winning an IABA senior championship .
He also hopes that the publicity will encourage more students at IT Sligo to get involved in the sport and the new boxing club on campus.
Congratulating them on their achievements, Sports Development Officer Ross Lappin said: “This is a great sporting achievement for Maria and John who fought off tough competition to win. Both have trained extremely hard to compete at the top level and they deserve their success.”
John Tighe.
Maria Faney.