Path is paved with gold for Bal's Kelly

Ballynacargy BC's Wayne Kelly has added another cadet title to his growing collection of honours. Wayne took the hard route to the top, boxing some of the best boxers in his weight division.Firstly Wayne took on Naas BC's Shane O'Neill. Wayne won the first round 6-1 and started the second round at a blistering pace picking up another five points. O'Neill treed to match him but Wayne was too fast to the punch and ended the round 11-5 on top.Wayne stuck to his game plan and walked away the 14-5 points winnerNext up was Mark McCole of Dungloe BC. Wayne showed real class catching McCole with some hurtful left hands and nearly dropping him in round 1. Wayne took the fight straight to McCole in round two and caught him with some eye-catching shots to take a lead of 6-3 going into the last.McCole attacked Wayne straight from the start of round 3 Wayne boxed defensively but got caught a few times but had done enough in the earlier rounds to take the fight 10-7.Jack Connolly from Clonmel BC was Wayne's final hurdle and one that many thought he could not overcome but Wayne showed what a real gem he is for Irish boxing.Connolly boxed the first round in close and with a tight guard. Wayne found it hard to pierce his guard and got caught trying to do so. Round 1 ended 2-1 to Connolly butin round 2 Wayne worked out how to open the Clonmel man's defence and took the round 6-5. In round 3 Wayne gave an exhibition of boxing catching Connolly at will and built up a lead of 13-7 to claim the cadet title.Wayne now gets the chance to box for Ireland in the forthcoming European games being held in Germany in June.He is a real asset to the club and great role model for all the young and older boxers in the club who all look up to and try to emulate him.