Cork boxing basking in Linda Desmond's success as she is named The Echo Women In Sport overall winner for 2023

RYLANE boxer Linda Desmond scaled the dizzy heights of Cork Female Athleticism when she was named The Echo Women In sport sportswoman of the year for 2023.

This majestic announcement was made at the prestigious Echo Women in Sport Annual Awards Night, which took place at the Metropole Hotel recently.

Linda Desmond qualified for selection as one of 12 monthly winners. 

She won the November Award following her history making achievement of becoming the first Cork Female boxer to win both Senior and Elite titles in the same year.

She faced stiff opposition from the other 11 finalists all of whom were outstanding athletes in their own disciplines. 

However, on the night, the nine judges’ panel swayed in favour of the Rylane Boxing Dynamo.

The declaration of Desmond’s ultimate accolade success was greeted with warm applause by the very appreciative sporting gathering. 

Amongst the distinguished sporting audience was her mother and father, Nuala and Declan Desmond, and a large contingent of Rylane BC supporters, accompanied by members of the Cork County Boxing Board.

In keeping with the spirit and tradition of these awards now in their 17th year, Linda was personally congratulated firstly, by each of her fellow finalists.

When interviewed after the presentation she described her success in one word ‘mad'. 

She then explained, she entered the Senior Championships this year hoping to do well and get some experience. 

However, in October she was crowned a Senior Champion of Ireland.

A smiling but nervous Linda then told her captive audience in the Metropole.

“Having won a Senior Title we entered the Elite Championships in November and again I said I would try my best and see where it took me."

The man who guided Linda on her path to glory was her coach Seanie Barrett, assisted by Dan Lane. 

Barrett brought the first Elite Title to the proud mid-Cork Club in 1999 when he defeated the Irish Olympian Francie Barrett. 

On that very auspicious occasion for the Rylane Club, Dan Lane coached Barrett to victory. 

Now it was Seanie Barrett who was the main man in Linda’s corner.

Embed with the experience and elation of winning the Senior Title, the young Linda Barrett qualified for the Elite Final. 

Many taught this might be a bridge to far. 

However, her coach had her in tip top mental and physical condition Barrett convinced her to believe in herself and she would walk out of the National Stadium that night A history maker.

Linda Desmond magnificently rose to the occasion and following a vintage display of quality boxing. 

She outpointed her very spirited and talented opponent Isabella Hughes of the Dublin Club St Mary’s BC, home of the Olympic Champion Kellie Harrington.

When Seanie Barrett won his Elite Title twenty-five years ago, many still recall the bonfires blazing around the Rylane hinterland. 

Today, following Linda Desmond’s success it is time to let the champagne flow and raise a glass to a modest and very unassuming sporting hero who has brought glory to the little village.

On Thursday night last in the big city, Rylane and Millstreet people gave vent to their proud feelings. 

In 1979, forty-five years ago the Rylane Boxing Club was founded by Dan Lane and the late Mick Cronin. 

Over the intervening years, the club has played a significant role in the development of Cork boxing.

On Thursday night, Lane was as proud as a peacock, as he strolled around the function hall accepting congratulations from all quarters. 

He was thrilled to win The Echo Women in Sport Award, and told this writer: “this is mega for us, that paper is as old as the hills and tonight our boxer is taking home their top women’s award."

Dan Lane’s focus will now switch to a Boxing Dinner Show, which takes place on Saturday 16th March next at the Rochestown Park Hotel. 

This high-powered tournament will feature many outstanding bouts. The occasion is to mark the 45th Anniversary of the Club’s foundation.

On behalf of the Cork County Boxing Board, the President Michael O’Brien congratulated Linda, her coach and the Rylane Boxing Club. 

O’Brien said: “Her Elite success is a tribute to her talent but more importantly to her dedication to the sport.

“I would also like to acknowledge tonight the great Cork Boxing Women coaches, who operated the Cork Boxing Ladies Academy of which Linda was a member for many years, all can now be proud of their part in Lynda’s success."

Linda Desmond’s triumph at the Echo Award’s night was acclaimed by boxing followers all over the world via social media, but one man who sent his congratulations direct was Zair Antia, the most successful Olympic Irish coach in boxing history. 

He said: “Linda, I congratulate you on your remarkable success, and I believe if you want it, you have a very bright future in boxing,” while top Cork coach John Morrissey congratulated Linda and her club.

He added: ”Cork Boxing is getting better and better day by day."