Austeja Auciute.
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
FINN Valley ABC’s golden girl, Austeja Auciute, won her sixth Irish title on Saturday night at the National Stadium in Dublin.
The Ballybofey girl took victory in the Girl 3 63kgs final at the National Girls Finals, held at the South Circular Road’s boxing haven.
Auxiute is well accustomed to success at national level. 2012 saw the St Columba’s College, Stranorlar student win Irish titles four and five – and on Saturday night she made it the half-dozen.
It’s a fine record and one that now places her right up there with the best of the upcoming female punchers. Auciute held sway in a cracking final bout with Athlone’s Cheyanne O’Neill – whom Auciute had beaten in a semi-final last year.
Her match-up with O’Neill was one of the highlights of finals weekend. Auciute had the edge in a chess-like contest, the Donegal girl coming out on top 7-6. It was a bout that Auciute was in control of despite its closeness – and the announcement that the red corner had triumphed marked another feather in her cap.
“Both girls put in a great effort, but Austeja was just too strong when it came to it,” the Finn Valley ABC coach, Conor Quigley, said.
“It’s great for Austeja to get the win. She’s so focussed and puts in a brilliant effort.”
Auciute had warmed up for these championships when she turned in a superb display to defeat Saidhbh Green from Sligo at the Finn Valley club’s big tournament in Stranorlar a few weeks ago.
The Carndonagh ABC, meanwhile, is celebrating on the double after the Clarkes, Jessica and Labhaoise, both took victories in their finals. In the Girl 2 39kgs final, Jessica defeated Knockmore’s Lisa Ann Sweeney 9-5 and Labhaoise defeated Niamh Early (Ryson) 14-9 in the Girl 3 52kgs.
These were the most successful National Girls Championships of all time with a record 300 boxers registering to compete.
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