Over 100 people attended today’s Ulster Boxing’s celebration of International Women’s Day at the Blackmountain Shared Space in Belfast.
A panel of Elite athletes from boxing and across sport shared their experience of being women in sport, of the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced throughout their careers and the invaluable support of family, clubs and friends. The panel was MC’d by Ruth Gorman and included double Olympian and multiple Commonwealth Games medalist Michaela Walsh, European silver medalist Caitlin Fryers, alongside Erin McConnell (Triathlon) and Grace Davison (Swimming) with Hannah Crymble (weightlifting).
Debuting today was a keynote film, which features National Secretary Tara Robins Mari, Aideen Floyd Omagh Boys & Girls BC and Tyrone/Fermanagh County Board Secretary, Martine Tate now a coach and a formerly a competitive boxer with Phoenix BC in Lurgan, Emma Walsh of Antrim County Board and Secretary of Armagh/Down County Board, Bernie Curran.
The inaurugal Ulster Boxing Council Volunteer Recognition Awards were also bestowed today. 24 accolades were awarded to officials, coaches and non-coaching volunteers nominated for their outstanding contributions by their clubs and members of the boxing community.
Panel and awards ceremony gallery is available here. All images: Mark Marlow
The day concluded with a series of over a dozen all-female exhibition bouts, focusing on providing as many development opportunities to young female boxers as possible.
Ulster Boxing (Boxing Ireland) Volunteer Awards 2026
Ulster Boxing (Boxing Ireland) Services to Boxing 2025/6
Denvir Jardine of Dungannon, nominated by clubs
Eileen Leonard of Corpus Christi, nominated by clubs
Noel Reynolds of Canal, nominated by clubs
Bernard McComisky, Gilford, Armagh/Down
Gavin Dougan, St Bronagh’s, Armagh/Down
Brian Anderson, Twin Towns, Donegal
Michael O’Neill, Golden Star Trillick of Tyrone/Fermanagh
Ben McGarrigle, Tyrone Fermanagh
Gerry Storey, Antrim
Kate Meli, Antrim
Eugene Duffy of St Joseph’s, Derry
Eugene O’Kane Snr of Oakleaf , Derry
John Henderson of Coleraine, Derry
Brian McKeown (Cavan BC) Monaghan/Cavan
Jimmy O’Conner (Clones BC), Monaghan/Cavan
Patrick Barnes Senior, Ulster Council
Ulster Boxing (Boxing Ireland) Young Coach of the Year 2025/6
Jude Gallagher , Two Castles OBA, Tyrone
Brendan McCabe, St John Bosco Newry
Ulster Boxing (Boxing Ireland) Club & Community Coach of the Year 2025/6
Charlie McDonagh of Dukes BC
Ian Mahood of Evolution BC
Ulster Boxing (Boxing Ireland) Non-Coaching Volunteer of the Year 2025/6
Paul Mayse, Two Castles OBA, Tyrone
Ulster Boxing (Boxing Ireland) Disability Coach of the Year 2025/6
Lisa Duke of Dukes BC
Ulster Boxing (Boxing Ireland) Head Coach of the Year 2025/6
Michael Kelly, Dockers BC