McKay, Wall Get Silver At European Junior Championships

Jason McKay lost out in his bid for gold at the 16th European Junior Championships in Bulgaria today despite a gallant display against Suleiman Bammatov.

The Russian light-flyweight was handed a 16-7 decision to finish on top of the 48kg podium in Sofia.
McKay gave it absolutely everything in the ring this afternoon and can be very proud of his performance against the top Russian boxer.

The Canal BC (Antrim) clubman will also be taking home a silver medal from Sofia after winning three bouts to get to the business end of the 35-nation tournament in the Bulgarian capital.

Kerry middleweight Brian Wall also had to settle for silver this afternoon after he suffered a facial injury in the first round of his 75kg final with Russia’s Magomed Magamedov.

Wall. who boxes out of the Cashen Vale BC, started well against his physically strong looking opponent but had to retire with 20 seconds remaining in the opening frame because of a nose bleed.

Wall, like McKay, won three bouts this week to reach today’s finals.

“Jason and Brian gave it 110% and they couldn’t have done anymore. All of the Irish squad performed very well out here this week and were delighted to me taking home two medals, said Irish team manager Michael Darby.

“It has been a tough week for our squad against some of the best in the World at this level and they all gave it everything at these Championships.”

The Irish squad won 15 bouts in Sofia this week.

*Ireland’s 13-strong squad are duo home via Dublin Airport via London Gatwick at 6.05pm on Sunday, July 1st. (Aer Lingus flight No. EI 243)*