Team Ireland has completed it’s preparations for the World Boxing U19 Futures Cup in Thailand in March.
The World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 is an U19 tournament and forms part of the performance pathway toward the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. Participation at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 is a requirement for any athlete who wishes to be considered for selection to the Youth Olympic Games, taking place in Dakar from 31 October to 13 November 2026.
Team Ireland includes European U17 champion and Best Boxer of that tournament, Kristian Jubani, European U17 silver medalist, Kalib Walshe, European U17 bronze medalist, Paige Nickels, European U17 Team Co-Captain Padraig Walsh, 2023 European schools champ, Louise Joyce. All members of the team are 2026 Ireland Futures Cup Competition champions. The team is comprised of boxers from clubs in 5 counties: Antrim (2), Down (1), Dublin (3), Westmeath (1), Wexford (1).
The team, which has been in camp since late January, concluded preparations today with a series of test matches at the National Stadium – and thanks are extended to all club boxers who gave of their time to participate. The Team Captain has been named as 60kg Kalib Walshe of Wexford CBS.
Team Ireland is led by Jennifer O’Sullivan Coffey of Sliabh Luachra BC, Kerry. Jennifer is the President of Kerry County Board and an experienced Team Manager. The coaching staff are High Performance Coach Lynne McEnery, Liam Cunningham of All Saints BC in Belfast & Valerie Hamilton of St. Francis BC in Limerick. Liam and Valerie have coached Boxing Ireland athletes at competitions include the 2025 European U17 Championships, where the team returned with 10 medals.
Results achieved at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 do not automatically confer a team quota nor selection. Youth Olympic Games quotas are allocated to National Olympic Committees (NOCs). The OFI may receive as little as one quota spot, or as many as 10. The Olympic Federation of Ireland will determine athlete selection in line with its approved nomination and selection policies.
Team Ireland
48kg Louise Joyce, Olympic BC Westmeath
51kg Kristian Jubani, Crumlin BC Dublin
54kg Paige Nickels, Banbridge BC, Down
55kg Michael McDonagh, Avona BC Dublin
57kg Milena Lucaci Lucan BC Dublin
60kg Kalib Walshe, Wexford CBS, Wexford
65kg Padraig Walsh Immaculata BC Antrim
70kg Conor Dowds Immaculata BC Antrim
Support Staff
Team Manager: Jennifer O’Sullivan Coffey, Sliabh Luachra BC, Kerry
Coach Lynne McEnery
Coach Liam Cunningham, Saints BC, Belfast
Coach Valerie Hamilton, St. Francis BC, Limerick