Irish president delighted with international boxing show at Tenbury High School

Peter O'Donnell brought a group of Irish boxers to Tenbury High School to face their English counterparts, which England won 7-3.

The show was organised by Paddy Brennan Boxing Academy and Fitness Centre and a repeat show in Donegal is now set to take place on November 7.

"Everything about the whole show was fantastic," said O'Donnell.

"The way we were treated was unbelievable.

"This was my first show in Tenbury and only met up with Paddy Brennan at Christmas time when he put this in the pipeline.

"I love love to come back again next year and make it a bit longer.

"Our only disappointment was that we were only here for three days.

"All the boxers did very well and am proud of them all."

Martin 'Paddy' Brennan, who helped organise the show, said he was overwhelmed by how well the evening went.

"It went a lot better than I thought," said Brennan.

"There were some really close decisions and some fantastic boxers.

"I'm so proud to have witnessed it and there have been such a mixture of people turn up.

"There are some staunch boxing people who have followed me in the last six years and am overwhelmed."

Niall Farrell, the victorious England captain, added that the show gives amateur boxers an opportunity to showcase their skills.

"You don't get shows like this anywhere and I loved every bit of it," he said.

"If any more like this come along, I'm willing to snap their hand off."

A total of 10 bouts took place at the school's sports hall, with a support bout featuring Tenbury's Liz Williams, preceding it.

Williams, who joined Brennan's club in January last year, was outclassed by Ella Winson of Ripley School of Boxing.

"It was very tough, the opponent was someone who we had last minute because my other opponent pulled out," said Williams.

"She was a tall girl and had more strengths than me.

"But I thought it went well and I felt fit.

"I didn't tire, it was just a case of she being a lot stronger than me and a longer reach."

Williams initially joined her club for fitness purposes and last Friday's sight was only her second bout.

"I had to drop my weight for this fight so unfortunately I was a bit lighter than the girl I fought," said Williams, who runs a health and nutrition business.

"So I'm hoping to drop my weight a little bit more so I can have more bouts for next season.

"I will just keep sparring and training and get a bit lighter and more experienced so I can come back a bit stronger next season.

"It's very good to box in Tenbury and hear people cheering, even if you do lose."

Reece Speechley, of Kettering ABC, then beat Ruaidri McElhenny by unanimous decision before Ireland's Bryan McNamee got the better of Casey Brown.

The next two bouts saw Charlie Annetts beat Kenan Gibson before Cathal McGloughlin levelled the tie by winning a great fight against Bradley Perkins.

Farrell's class then showed against Liam Callaghan to take England into the interval break 3-2 to the good.

England then ran out with the tie when it resumed, winning the next three fights.

Ireland's solitary success saw Brennan's nephew Ronnie overcoming James Ryan before England won the final bout of the evening after Elliott Geddes came on top against Ireland skipper Daniel Duggan.

Michael Hogan, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire was special guest for the evening and was delighted with how it went.

"There was high standard of boxing and a great spectacle for people who were there," he said.

"Paddy has done a great job building up his club and I hope he can from here now to continue get himself into a bigger organisation where he can offer more support to more people.

"There is a huge need for young people in the area for this kind of care and support so i hope Paddy will be able to expand and fulfil that need."

An auction was also held, with proceeds going towards the Paddy Brennan Boxing Academy and Fitness Centre.

Prizes included were signed Usain Bolt and Sir Geoff Hurst pictures, which both went for £200.