Harrington named in 14-strong Ireland team for Euros

Two-time Olympic champion Kellie Harrington is set to make her return to top-level international competition as part of a 14-strong Ireland team named for the European Elite Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria from 17-25 September.

The 36-year-old Dubliner has not boxed at a benchmark-event since retaining her Olympic lightweight title in Paris two years ago.

Harrington initially retired following the Paris Games, but reversed the decision last year to return in an exhibition in Dublin in December before collecting a 12th national Elite title.

Although she has boxed internationally since returning, Harrington was absent from this year's World Boxing Cup events in Brazil and China, but is now back for her first major event.

Joining Harrington is recent Commonwealth Games gold medallist at 70kg, Jon McConnell, plus silver medallist from Glasgow, Michaela Walsh, and Jude Gallagher who picked up bronze in July.

Reigning 75kg world champion Aoife O'Rourke and her sister, Lisa - 2022 world champion 2025 silver medallist - are included, as are Olympians Daina Moorehouse, Jenny Lehane, Dean Clancy and Jack Marley, while 2024 European champion, Shannon Sweeney, Cliona D'Arcy, Evelyn Igharo and Gavin Rafferty complete the line-up

"There is huge experience and championship pedigree within this squad, with Olympians, World and European medallists and established Elite champions alongside boxers ready to make their mark on the European stage," said interim Ireland high performance head coach Damian Kennedy.

"That blend of experience, ambition and potential gives us a very strong team.

"The European Championships will be one of the biggest tests our athletes face this year, with an exceptionally high standard expected in Sofia."

Ireland will host a multi-nations sparing camp before travelling to Bulgaria for the European Championships which is open to 33 eligible nations with World Boxing ranking points also on the line.

"We're also looking forward to welcoming boxers from Poland, Hungary and Finland for targeted sparring, providing valuable exposure to different international styles," high performance director Jon Mackey added.

"Together, these elements give the team a strong platform as they approach the European Elite Championships."

Shannon Sweeney (St Anne's BC, Mayo) Women's 48kg

Daina Moorehouse (Enniskerry BC, Wicklow) Women's 51kg

Jennifer Lehane (DCU BC, Dublin) Women's 54kg

Michaela Walsh (Holy Family BC, Belfast) Women's 57kg

Kellie Harrington (St Mary's BC, Dublin) Women's 60kg

Jude Gallagher (Two Castles Olympic, Tyrone) Men's 60kg

Dean Clancy (Sean McDermott BC, Leitrim) Men's 65kg

Evelyn Igharo (Clann Naofa BC, Louth) Women's 70kg

Jon McConnell (Holy Trinity BC, Belfast) Men's 70kg

Aoife O'Rourke (Castlerea BC, Roscommon) Women's 75kg

Gavin Rafferty (Dublin Docklands BC) Men's 75kg

Lisa O'Rourke (Castlerea BC, Roscommon) Women's 80kg

Cliona D'Arcy (Tobair Pheadair BC, Galway) Women's 80+kg

Jack Marley (Monkstown BC, Dublin) Men's 90kg