World champion, Aoife O’Rourke and World bronze medalist Patsy Joyce have been nominated for Olympic Sport Awards.
O’Rourke, of Castlerea BC, is a double Olympian and 4 time continental champion and was nominated following her profitable of World silver in March, and World gold on the inaugural World Boxing Championships in Liverpool in September.
On the older of two boxer sister’s journey in to the annals of Irish boxing lore in Liverpool, the Westerner defeated Norway’s Sunniva Hofstad, the one boxer on this planet this yr to have received gold at each World Boxing Cup. She has been shortlisted alongside Fiona Mutagh (Rowing), Kate O’Connor (Athletics) and Lara Gillespie (Biking).
Joyce, who at 19 was one of many youngest members of Crew Eire in Liverpool, was nominated in recognition of his bronze medal. The rising expertise slayed giants and constructed his popularity and that of Irish boxing in every of his bouts: His first win was over Jaeyong Shin of Korea. The Olympic Mulingar BC boxer then defeated Cuban-born Bulgarian Olympian and World and European medalist, Javier Ibanez Diaz, a talented and skilled operator 10 years his senior. For his quarter remaining, the teenager was the victor over Uzbekistan’s Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov – an Asian champion and World Boxing Cup medalist, a veteran 11 years his senior. In his semi-final, Joyce got here agonizingly near silver. He contested in opposition to Spain’s Rafael Serrano Lozano, a Paris Olympian, in an extremely shut bout. He’s on a shortlist which incorporates Eve McMahon (Crusing) and John Shortt (Swimming)
These awards are determined by public vote – and you’ll vote right here. Voting will shut on November 14th.
The awards can be bestowed at a gala occasion on December sixth, an will shine a highlight on those that have impressed the nation whereas additionally recognising the unseen dedication, sacrifice, and excellence that underpin each efficiency.
The President’s Award can be offered on the discretion of OFI President Lochlann Walsh, recognising an distinctive contribution or service to Irish Olympic sport.
