Stylish Shannon Sweeney saunters into European quarters
Shannon Sweeney sauntered to within touching distance of a European Championships medal today.
The Westport native looked more than at home on the European stage, winning her elite continental debut in style to move into the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition.
The St Anne’s fighter outboxed Gayane Ter-Bargseghyan of Armenia over three rounds to secure a well-deserved unanimous win.
Sweeney was in control from the off and continued to dominate to the extent she threatened a stoppage win late on.
The win sees the ever-improving Irish talent join Amy Broadhurst, Carly McNaul, Aoife O’Rourke, Michaela Walsh, Kellie Harrington, Kaci Rock and Christina Desmond in the quarter-final stage.
Sweeney put in a master class to win the first round. Up and her toes she ensured Ter-Bargseghyan really struggled to get in range. The Mayo fighter walked her opponent onto all manner of shots. Crisp one-twos scored regular and southpaw check hooks frustrated the Armenian.
Ter-Bargseghyan did come forward with a bit more purpose and intent in the second session but Sweeney was in full flow by that stage showing great feet, quality accuracy, and brilliant hand speed to take another round comfortably.
Thngs went from good to great in the final round when crisp backhands forced the referee to hand the Armenian a standing eight count and the start and the end of the three-minute session.
Caitlin Fryers is in action later today and will be looking to make it nine Irish fighter in the last eight.
Team Ireland Squad
48kg: Shannon Sweeney, St. Anne’s, Mayo
50kg: Caitlin Fryers, Immaculata BC, Belfast
52kg: Carly McNaul, Ormeau Road BC, Belfast
54kg: Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal BC, Dublin
57kg: Michaela Walsh, Emerald BC, Belfast
60kg: Kellie Harrington, St. Mary’s BC, Dublin
63kg: Amy Broadhurst, St. Bronagh’s ABC, Newry
66kg: Kaci Rock, Enniskerry BC, Wicklow
70kg: Christina Desmond, Dungarvan BC/Garda BC
75kg: Aoife O’Rourke, Olympic BC, Galway
Coaches:
Zauri Antia
John Conlan
Dmitrij Dmitruk
Eoin Pluck
Physio
Rob Tuomey.
