Brothers make boxing history

Two brothers from Olympic Boxing Club Mullingar made history at the World Boxing Championships in Budva, Montenegro, as Jason and John Donoghue returned home with World medals from the same tournament.

Jason Donoghue, aged 17, secured a bronze medal in the 65kg division after an excellent tournament that saw him reach the semi-finals, where he lost a close contest against Spain’s Pablo Souto Macias. His older brother John claimed gold, making the achievement all the more special for the family and their club.

Jason’s impressive run included victories over Rostyslav Horodynskyi of Ukraine, Catalan Mustea of Moldova and Akzhurek Kalabay of Kazakhstan before his semi-final defeat.

“I have three international medals, one European Silver, one European Bronze and a World Bronze,” explained Jason. “In my first fight I fought a really good Ukrainian boy who won a couple of international medals. I beat him, then I fought a Moldovan, I beat him, and then I fought Kazakhstan and I beat him.

“Then I fought Spain and I lost on a 3-2 split decision in a really close fight. I was disappointed, but it was really good to just get out there and get the experience.I won a World medal with my brother, John. We were the first two brothers to go to the same tournament and win two World medals,” he explained.

Jason is in his first year at U19 level and still has another year in the age group, meaning he is often facing older opponents.

“I still have a year left at U19. All the boys I’m fighting are a year older than me, so it’s good to get that experience,” he opined.

He praised the Irish coaching team for their support throughout the tournament, with Eoin Pluck, Gary Keogh, Aoife Hennigan and Fergus Turner all playing important roles: “They were all a really big help throughout the tournament. They got me over the line,” he said.

Jason reserved special praise for Johnny Joyce, the Olympic Boxing Club head coach, who remained in regular contact throughout the championships: “Every day he was in contact. He was great,” he said.

Jason also had plenty of support in Montenegro, with his mother, grandad and sister travelling over, along with Louise Joyce’s father.

“We had a good few supporting us. There were all the other boxers’ parents also, all over supporting us. It was great,” he said.

Having been with Olympic Boxing Club for around eight years, Jason now has his sights firmly set on further success.

“The plan for the future is, hopefully, next year winning a European Gold medal. Then I’ll go on, hopefully qualify for the Olympics 2032. Could do 2028 if I’m lucky enough, if someone doesn’t qualify in the weight. But hopefully we go 2032 and then go pro,” he explained.

When asked which boxer he most admired, Jason had no hesitation in naming his older brother.

“The one I look up to the most is my brother John. World champion, European champion, there’s not much better you can look up to. Especially as I have him in my own household, I’m looking up to him every day. They don’t come bigger than that,” he remarked.

Louise Joyce, also aged 17, added to the Olympic Boxing Club’s medal haul with a bronze in the 48kg division.

For Louise, the championships were an important opportunity to gain experience, as she remains younger than many of her opponents.

“It was all for experience because I’m still a year younger. I’m still trying for gold, but I’m happy with the bronze.”

Louise had four bouts at the World Championships, taking on opponents from Algeria, India, the USA and Brazil.

“It was my first World Championships. I’ve been at four European championships before,” the promising boxer said.

She now has an impressive collection of international medals: “I’ve three European medals and one World medal. Two European Silver medals, one European Gold and a World Bronze.”

Like Jason, Louise is already looking ahead to future competitions and major ambitions.

She has no fear when outlining those goals: “Next year I’m coming for all the gold, every gold. And then try for the Olympics in LA, 2028, but 2032 is definitely a big target.”

Louise has been part of Olympic Boxing Club since she was a young child and trains six days a week.

“I’ve been boxing in this club since I was eight.

“Johnny Joyce, the head coach, is my uncle. My brother and I all box here, and so does my cousin.

“I train six days a week. I go for a run and do a little bit outside of the club, but mostly it’s all in here,” she said in the prestigious Mullingar club.

Her father Patrick was also in Montenegro to support her: “My father came out and it was good to have him there; he is a good supporter.”

Louise is the daughter of Patrick and Winnie Joyce and sister of Patsy Joyce, another very promising boxer.

With Jason, John and Louise all achieving on the world stage, Olympic Boxing Club Mullingar continues to demonstrate the strength of its boxing tradition and the talent coming through its ranks.

Also taking ot the ring last week was Cian Leddy who won a Bronze Medal at the European U15 Medal in Turkey.

He was boxing at 90kg+ and it was his first success. He took on a Ukrainian boxer in the semi-final and while he had to settle for second best, it was a great experience for the 14-year-old.

Cian is turning his attention to the Leinster competition next year after his first taste of success.