Courtney Daly ready to finally represent her country

Courtney Daly won everything coming up through the ranks but, as she was in lower weight classes which didn’t feature internationally, never got the chance to represent Ireland.

Then there was a period of readjustment and building as the Crumlin fighter entered the adult ranks but now things are all falling into place for the 20-year-old.

Two national titles have come in the space of a matter of weeks and, next month, Daly is in line to represent Ireland at a major international tournament.

The Dubliner added the Irish Under-22 title to the Intermediate crown she won in November with a hard-fought win over Ciara Walsh last Friday night.

Daly was just that little bit too strong and experienced for her talented opponent and she would tell Irish-Boxing.com afterwards that “I’m happy with that win.”

“I just kept busy and it was enough. It’s been working for me a lot, the turn hook and then back in with three shots.”

The younger sister of Evan and Aiden Metcalfe did not let a run of defeats deter her and is now in the midst of a hot streak.

Hard work and lessons learned have brought Daly on and she described how “I’m 100 per cent more experienced this year than I was last year.”

“As I’ve said before, I’d lost mostly on splits and now here I am after winning the Seniors [Intermediates] and the Under-22s.”

“I was actually training on Christmas Day, I didn’t even get Christmas Day off – but that’s what you have to do when you want to win titles.”

“I’m entering the Elites too. Them in February and then Russia in March – no breaks!”

When Daly says Russia she is referring to the European Under-22 Championships in Vladikavkaz.

The team for the tournament is not confirmed but, as Irish champion, Daly hopes and expects to be on the plane out East.

It will be a special moment for the youngster who notes how “it will be my first trip away. This will be my first time boxing for Ireland and I’m very looking forward to it!”

“I’m excited for it, I’m looking forward to it.”

Photo Credit: National Stadium Boxing Videos