Aoife O’Rourke has won a gold medal in the women’s 75kg category at the European Elite Boxing Championships in Bulgaria.

The Castlerea boxer got the unanimous 5-0 verdict against Turkey’s Busra Isildar to successfully defend her crown and follow her sister, Lisa, who also won gold in the 80kg division on Thursday.

After a somewhat messy start to the bout, Aoife gradually found her range, the left jab causing Isildar. a multiple World and European medallist, to back track.

The judges took note, scoring the bout 30:27; 30:27; 30:27; 30:26; 29:28.

Today’s success in Sofia is Aoife’s fourth at European level, adding to her 2023 European Games gold.

The elder of the O’Rourke sibling’s journey to another gold has included wins over 80+kg world champion, Poland’s Agata Kaczmarska and Russia’s 2025 world champ Saltanat Medenova.

She was emotional when she spoke to RTÉ Sport afterwards, saying: “I don’t know what to think right now, I’m am so, so happy. I’m overwhelmed with joy, so delighted.

On the fight itself, it was a case of getting the business done against a familiar opponent.

“Myself and herself have had many a battle and spars together in training,” she added.

“She’s a tough opponent, I thought she was going to change up her gameplan because you are not going to do the same thing against a previous opponent. She definitely did come forward a bit more than the last time we boxed. I had to deal with that pressure bit the coach had the tactics spot on and I tried to implement it as best I could, though it wasn’t perfect.. but it was OK.”

Despite being dominant throughout, O’Rourke revealed that it wasn’t “until the final bell” that she could register the fact the verdict would go her way.

“That third round, I wasn’t giving up. The coaches told me I was round up but I would always question them. Are you sure? Did you read it right?

Aoife O’Rourke is back-to-back European 75kg Champion.
The Castlerea boxer has taken all three rounds in the final bout against Turkey’s Busra Isildar. pic.twitter.com/f6WXmYlkyC

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 25, 2026

“No matter what the circumstances, you are not going to give up, no matter what sport you do, until that final bell.”

And the 29-year also referenced those who have been with her so far on what is now a medal-laden journey.

“I do have phenomenal support back home and I do want to thank everyone: my sponsors, my coaches, my family, my friends. Also the well-wishes that I and Lisa have gotten throughout the tournament. We have a massive support behind us. Thanks to everyone. It’s a nice upgrade to bring home gold medals to Roscommon.”