Louth fighter Grace Conway makes history with first-ever national senior crown

Tredagh Boxing Academy’s 2026 championship campaign strengthened its status on provincial and national stages through titles, medals, and breakout performances. Athletes delivered elite technical progression, relentless work ethics, and superb physical conditioning across the Leinster and All-Ireland series. The academy recorded five Leinster gold medals, three Leinster silver medals, and multiple national medals, reflecting coaching dedication and strong talent within the club. At the All-Ireland Universities and Colleges Championships, Grace Conway won the final against a Galway opponent, using rapid footwork and counter-punching to take the first round, adjusting to land backhand crosses in the second, and controlling the final round with a fast ranging jab and ring craft. The win marked her 10th national title and first senior crown. In Kilkenny, Adam Walsh led the junior provincial campaign, winning the Leinster Boy/Girl 123 competition with unanimous decision victories, including a clinical final where he won all three rounds using footwork and an aggressive style.

"The 2026 championship campaign has solidified Tredagh Boxing Academy's position as a premier force on both the provincial and national stages, yielding an extraordinary collection of titles, medals and breakout performances. Across the gruelling Leinster and All-Ireland series, the club's athletes showcased elite technical progression, relentless work ethics and superb physical conditioning. The final tally of five Leinster gold medals, three Leinster silver medals, and multiple national medals stands as another historic milestone for the academy, reflecting the deep dedication of the coaching staff and the exceptional talent within the ranks."

"At the All-Ireland Universities and Colleges Championships, Grace Conway delivered an absolute masterclass in the final against last year's Senior Intermediate All-Ireland champion from Galway. Conway used her rapid footwork and sharp counter-punching to edge a tactical first round, adjusted her strategy in the second to land eye-catching backhand crosses, and completely controlled the final round behind a fast ranging jab and world-class ring craft. This victory marked Conway's 10th national title and her historic first senior crown, bringing immense pride back to Carlow College, her home village Dunleer and the Tredagh club."

"The provincial campaign for the juniors in Kilkenny set a blazing standard for Tredagh, spearheaded by a masterclass performance from Adam Walsh in the Leinster Boy/Girl 123 competition. Following a commanding unanimous decision victory over a tough opponent from Rosslare in the semis, Walsh advanced to the final to face a strong boxer from Sacre Coeur Boxing Club in Wexford. Walsh put on a clinical performance, convincingly winning all three rounds on the judges' scorecards by utilising exquisite footwork and a highly aggressive punching style to be crowned Leinster champion by unanimous decision."

Read at Irish Independent