Raphoe ABC Head Coach Gary McCullagh has backed Leah Gallen to upgrade the colour of her medal at the European Junior Championships.
The 16-year-old welterweight overcame Finja Bree of Germany in Friday’s quarter-final.
It was a historic moment for the Raphoe club. Gallen’s unanimous decision win over three rugged rounds was the first international medal won by a boxer from the club celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
“It’s a very, very proud moment for the club,” McCullagh said.
Friday’s bout in Anapa, Russia, was Gallen’s Irish debut, but she turned in an excellent performance and now meets Miriam Tomasone of Italy in Monday’s semi-final.
McCullagh said: “It was her first international vest and on foreign soil. To go out and perform like she did just showed what she’s made of. Hopefully now she can go on and get a gold or a silver.
“There is more to come. Knowing leah, she won’t settle for a bronze. She has the taste of it now and has the bit between her teeth. She is a work in progress, but she’s getting better every time.”
Listen to the full interview below …
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