Offaly's Gráinne Walsh retains national title with unanimous decision win

Offaly boxer Gráinne Walsh retained her national elite title in the 65kg weight category when she defeated Cork's Linda Desmond at Dublin's National Stadium last night (Saturday).

The 30-year-old Tullamore woman was the clear victor on each of the judges' scorecards after a scrappy contest in which her style clashed with that of her taller opponent, leading to plenty of clinches and grappling.

The cleaner and sharper punches throughout came from Walsh. Cheered on by supporters from the Midlands, she built up a healthy lead heading into a third and final round during which the referee's patience ran out and he gave Desmond a public warning, resulting in her being docked a point, before subsequently doing the same to Walsh.

Speaking afterwards, the 2025 world bronze medallist acknowledged the contest hadn't been pretty, but said she was delighted to have retained her national crown.

"It was a scrappy kind of fight," said Walsh. "Linda's very tough, she's very rangy, and I think our styles clashed a bit. But I tried to stick to the plan from Noel, my coach, and I was delighted to come away with the victory."

She also welcomed the rebranding this week of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA), which is now known as Boxing Ireland.

"I'm delighted with the whole rebrand. It's a great way to announce Irish boxing again for another year. It's a good start to 2026," she said.

There was disappointment for two other Offaly competitors, from St Brigid's Boxing Club in Edenderry, at the national championships.

Daingean's Brian Kennedy lost a points decision to Nathan Ojo, of the Esker club in Dublin, in their semi final on Friday night. Ojo went on to defeat Galway's Robbie Olusola in the 85kg final last night.

Portarlington boxer Rachel Lawless, meanwhile, was defeated by Shannon Sweeney of St Anne's Boxing Club in Mayo, at the quarter-final stage in the 51kg weight category.