Kildare’s Gary Cully Takes Gold In Netherlands For Ireland

Kildare flyweight Gary Cully claimed gold at the 38-nation European Youth Championships in the Netherlands.

The Nass southpaw, who boxes out of the St David’s BC, beat Masud Yusifzada of Azerbaijan on a unanimous decision to finish on top of the 52kg podium.

Antrim bantamweight Kurt Walker was edged out in his bid from gold by Yusfzada’s compatriot Nasraddin Mammadov.

The Azeri champion was handed a split decision after a very close 56kg decider.

“We’re absolutely delighted for Gary. He was technically brilliant throughout this tournament and totally deserves his gold medal,” said Irish coach Billy McClean.

“But we’re despondent for Kurt. He was brilliant and we thought he did enough to win the gold but it went against him.

“It fantastic to hear the Irish anthem being played again. As a whole, the Irish squad were outstanding here this week and everyone one of them gave it absolutely everything.”

The eight-strong Irish squad are due to arrive home via Dublin Airport at 5.35pm tomorrow, August 18th. (Terminal 2, Aer Lingus).