Echo Women in Sport award: Linda Desmond hits elite level of amateur boxing 

Rylane boxer Linda Desmond has been selected as the November winner of the Echo Women in Sport Award for November for her performances in the ring.

Over the last two years, Linda has excelled in her chosen sport of boxing. 

She has now reached the higher echelons of elite amateur boxing and has recently been nominated as a high-performance list by famed Olympic coach Zaur Antia.

The Mid Cork boxing star has enjoyed another outstanding year, culminating in her winning the National Elite Title at the National Stadium on November 15. 

This is the second elite title in a row for the young athlete, who completely mastered the 63.5 Kg division last year, and maintained her status as a true champion with her consecutive victories.

Desmond’s recent elite success was won over very stiff opposition. In the semi-final, she scored a great victory over the very experienced and well-fancied favourite Kaci Rock. 

Following this, the elated and in-form Rylane boxer qualified for the final. 

On the biggest night on the amateur boxing calendar, Linda gave, from the first bell, a power-packed performance to force a first-round stoppage over Zoe McCaughran.

An overjoyed Desmond returned to her corner to rejoice with her coaches, Seanie Barrett, Kieran Twohig and Davis Hayes.

This stunning victory brought the curtain down on a remarkable year for an athlete who could major in many sports.

During her underage and juvenile career with her club, Desmond won many county, Munster and national championships. 

She also represented Ireland as a junior international. This past year she eclipsed that and represented her country as an adult international boxer.

The last 12 months have been phenomenal for the third-level student. She is a native of Millstreet and currently pursuing a degree at the MTU Tralee in veterinary nursing. 

However, she has managed her time well, and her sporting career has continued to flourish. In an amazing year, Desmond has won an Irish U22 title, a senior title, followed by her first elite title. 

Last year she also won the Echo Women in Sport Awards for the month of November.  This qualified her for the final which took place last February and she was picked as the supreme winner.

REMARKABLE

This was a remarkable achievement for the young female boxing star, as she was opposed by some outstanding Cork female athletes from the very competitive world of athletics, camogie, ladies Football, basketball, swimming and soccer. 

Two months later, she was presented with the Paddy Martin Champ of Champions Cup.

This presentation was made by the Tánaiste Micheál Martin during a very pleasant ceremony when he also officially opened the Tomás Mac Curtain Museum at the Glen Boxing Club.

During his address, he said she was an outstanding athlete and represented the highest standard in Irish amateur boxing success. The Tánaiste said he was confident she would build on her achievements and go into win a consecutive Irish elite title. 

How right he was!

Recently, when he was out in the hustings around the streets of Cork, prior to polling day the Tánaiste was advised that Linda had won back-to-back elite titles, a broad smile etched the face of the son of a boxer, he immediately extended his congratulations to Linda and the Rylane Boxing Club, and said this.

Linda is a great champion.  

"She is currently holding 'The Champ of Champions Cup' and is a great example to all female athletes."

PEDIGREE

In the last quarter of a century only three Cork boxers have achieved the status of winning consecutive elite titles, this by any standard is a very difficult sporting task. 

It's 25 years ago Olympian Michael Roche achieved this as part of his magnificent five elite titles. 

European elite bronze medallist Christina Desmond, as part of her dynamic career to date, also succeeded in achieving the magic double. 

And now Linda Desmond has ed that unique Leeside boxing club following her recent second elite boxing championship victory.

Her latest success in the Echo Women in Sport Award scheme now qualifies her for the final. This will take place at a function in the New Year.  As one of the 12 finalists, Linda has ensured the sport of boxing remains at the top table of Leeside female sport.

After being selected as the November winner of the prestigious Echo Women in Sport Awards, Linda was thrilled.

“I am delighted and I wish to thank the Echo, and the judging who selected me.  This is a great honour for me and my club."

The presentation to Linda was made by Cork County Boxing Board president Michael O’Brien. He congratulated Linda on her latest success.

“This is a good day for the entire Cork boxing family. Linda is a great champion. 

She is dedicated to her sport, she is very modest and has displayed great commitment to her club and to boxing. 

"She has not yet I believe, reached her full potential and Linda may go on to become a legend in Cork boxing folklore. 

"I also wish to pay tribute to her coach Seanie Barrett, and all in the Rylane Boxing Club."