Donna Barr
Roma McLaughlin and Donna Barr are currently enjoying a good week in their sporting careers. McLaughlin has picked up a nice piece of silverware to bring her debut season with Peamount United to a close. On the other hand, Barr is currently awaiting a world championship fight in Kazakhstan.
Talented footballer Roma McLaughlin picked up the reward for the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Young player of the year. Along with this award, McLaughlin was also given a place on the WNL team of the year.
“I was delighted to even be nominated, never mind win it, so I’m really grateful especially because it’s decided by votes from players in other teams. I was also chuffed to be in the team and again didn’t expect it one bit, so it was a really good lift for me! Hopefully I can push on and do better again next year.” Said McLaughlin.
The former Greencastle midfielder played her debut season in the WNL for Peamount United and has settled in well as a key contributor to the team. Early in the season, the midfielder was also awarded the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Player of the Month award for her performances throughout January and February.
“I’ve loved my first season, this season for us was all about developing because we have a young squad and I think we’ve done well giving some of the big teams tough games and we can do even better again next year. My personal aim is to make the international squad for next year and hopefully qualify for the finals In my last year of underage! Also to have a strong season with Peamount United.”
McLaughlin has also impressed on the international stage as she is a regular in the Irish set up. She played in the U-19 UEFA European Championship Elite Phase qualifiers, but unfortunately the Irish team failed to qualify.
Since her move to Peamount United from her native club, Greencastle, the midfielder has continued to improve her game and has become a key player in the Women’s National League.
Another sportswoman who is enjoying a top moment in her sporting career is Donna Barr. The Twin Towns BC boxer is currently in Kazakhstan for the 2016 AIBA Women’s World Championships. Barr takes to the ring this Saturday, May 21 against Canadian Kim Klavel in her first round fight.
The boxer travelled to Kazakhstan as part of the Irish Elite Boxing team in the hope of bringing home a World Championship medal. Barr will be joined at the tournament by Katie Taylor and six other Irish boxers aiming for similar success.
At the start of the month Barr took part in a multi-nation training camp in Sheffield, and trained with some of the best female boxers in the world in preparation for this weekend’s tournament. The event is held once every two years and showcases the talented female boxers from all around the world.
After a lot of training and preparation, the Strabane native will be hoping for success on Saturday and to advance to the next round of the tournament and continue her fight for a World Championship medal. Barr will be competing at the competition with Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor, who is currently chasing a place at the Rio Olympics this summer.
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