Two Midlands boxers on Irish team for tournament in Bulgaria next week

Two Midlands boxers are included on the 20-strong Irish team that will compete at the Europe's oldest multi-nations tournament, the 77th Strandja Memorial Tournament, in Bulgaria next week.

Tullamore's Gráinne Walsh, a 2024 Olympian and 2025 world bronze medallist, will be competing at 65kg, while Mullingar's Patsy Joyce will be in action at 55kg.

Held in Sofia, Bulgaria and beginning on Monday next, February 23, Strandja regularly attracts top talent from 5 continents.

The 2025 edition included teams from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China, alongside Europe’s Elite boxers. This year's iteration comes just 6 weeks before the 1st of three World Boxing Cups, beginning on April 20.

Team Ireland is comprised of 2025 World bronze medalists: Patsy Joyce (55kg), Olympian Grainne Walsh (65kg), double Olympian Michaela Walsh (57kg) and Paris Olympians Daina Moorehouse (50kg), Jennifer Lehane (54kg), Jude Gallagher (60kg), Dean Clancy (65kg) and Jack Marley (90kg). Also named European medalists Louis Rooney (50kg), Caitlin Fryers (51kg), Niamh Fay (57kg) and Evelyn Igharo (70kg).

Interim High performance Head Coach, Damian Kennedy, will lead the team in Bulgaria. He said: "Strandja is one of the most demanding competitions our boxers will face outside of major championships, as it consistently attracts the top boxing nations from around the world. This team has trained exceptionally well, showing readiness, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure in last week’s test match series with France.

"We want them to use this tournament to measure themselves against the very best in the world."

High Performance Director Jon Mackey said: "Our team are looking exceptionally sharp and that’s a credit to Damian Kennedy and the coaching team.

"This tournament is part of the second stage of our selection process which began with the 2026 Elite Championships just last month. Team Ireland includes both Elite champions and silver medallists in a team that blends proven championship experience with emerging talent."