Kilkenny's Marble City boxers power to impressive win at multinations tournament

A series of talented and determined displays saw fighters from the Marble City Boxing Club power Kilkenny to the glory at the multinations tournament in Dublin.

Five of the club’s schoolboy fighters were involved as the Kilkenny, Carlow and Laois county team scored great success. Facing elite competition from Antrim’s High Performance squad, the Dublin county team and the Scottish national team, the Marble City quintet helped secure the team’s overall win.

The winning run began with Jake Delaney, who set the tone with a composed 3–0 points win over his Dublin opponent.

Delaney controlled the pace from the opening bell, using sharp movement and crisp combinations to take every round on the judges’ scorecards.

Next into the ring was Kalem Carthy, who showed exceptional grit after dropping the opening round on all three cards.

Adapting swiftly, Carthy forced the pace in rounds two and three, overwhelming his opponent with pressure and work rate to earn a deserved 2–1 split decision.

Momentum continued to build with a commanding performance from Mick Carthy. Delivering one of the standout displays of the day he dominated from the start, landing heavy combinations throughout the contest en route to a unanimous points victory.

Luke McKenna maintained his flawless start to the season with another win. The reigning national schoolboy champion, who won gold at the Michael Andrews championship and Wexford International Box Cup, was competing in his fifth bout in just three weekends.

After a measured opening, McKenna found his range and unleashed accurate. His powerful shots that slowed his Dublin opponent and allowed him to take full control of the remaining rounds.

The final Marble City competitor of the day, John Hawe, produced what many considered the performance of the tournament.

In a ferocious and fast-paced clash, Hawe faced the reigning Scottish national champion and matched him blow for blow.

Showing immense heart and technical skill, Hawe edged a well-deserved split-decision victory to seal the fifth win of the day for the county team.

In the boxing ring, the club also enjoyed outstanding success as Hailey Hawe — the reigning Girl 1 National Champion — continued her flawless competitive record by capturing Gold at the Wexford International Box Cup. Hailey delivered a dominant performance from the opening bell, repeatedly landing clean scoring combinations and controlling the pace throughout. Her efforts earned a unanimous verdict from the judges and secured yet another major title to add to her rapidly growing collection.