Cork boxer Katie O'Keeffe is now regarded as one of the best boxers in the country

Following a barn-storming performance at the National Stadium on Saturday last, the Kanturk pocket rocket Katie O'Keeffe was crowned national U23 champion and an All-Ireland title winner for the 10th time in her spectacular boxing career. 

This was a victory born out of raw courage, and a steely determination to finally succeed and lift this title after being defeated on two occasions in previous finals. 

This championship is senior boxing and is a gateway to elite success. 

Katie is now about to embark on her 12th year in non-stop competitive boxing.

Allied to this, she is a third level student, and has equally put a significant emphasis on her studies. 

This multi-talented athlete could major in any sport, however, she independently focussed on boxing. 

O'Keeffe's opponent in last weekend's final was Carlagh Peeake from the Ballyhaunis Boxing Club.

She is renowned as a tough customer, who always leaves it all in the ring. 

This 51kg final ebbed and flowed for all three rounds, with both boxers on top at various stages, however, Katie knew what she had to do, and she reminded herself throughout the bout that she had been down this road twice before and she was now back on a mission of paramount importance. 

She was determined not to be a three time loser in this grade. 

Going in to the third round of a fairly even contest, and having accepted the instructions of her loyal and long time coach Jim McConville, Katie rose from the stool, listening to the immortal words of the ringside MC,- ''Second's Out, third and final round.'' 

'This is it, she told herself, I am not going home a loser today.

'This is unfinished business and nothing or no body will stop me today.'

Inspired through her own thoughts Katie was now oblivious to her opponents punching power.

She felt nothing in her quest to succeed and began to bombard her opponent with a flurry of punches, most of which hit the target. 

Katie comprehensively outclassed the Ballyhaunis boxer in the final round, and eagerly awaited the announcement of the judge's score cards. Most neutral observers believed Katie was a comfortable winner, and to the amazement of all, the announcer began with..''Ladies and Gentlemen following a split decision 4-1, the winner of the 51kg and U23 champion of Ireland is Katie O'Keeffe from Kanturk BC. 

As her hand was raised in triumph, Katie knew this was a defining milestone in her boxing career. 

The words of the Whitney Houston Olympic Games hit, 'One Moment in Time' were she said '' going through my mind, but most of all this victory has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and now puts me comfortably on the pathway to future success in the sport.'' 

To date, Katie O'Keeffe has enjoyed a glittering career as a boxer. 

At nine years of age she expressed a great desire to participate in the sport of boxing. 

At 11 years of age she was ready and legally entitled to compete in the 2016 / 2017 season. 

The young O'Keeffe won her first national title in the girl 1 grade, in her first year of championship boxing.

For the next ten years Katie boxed in all grades up to senior winning an All-Ireland title every year. 

In three of those years she competed in the European Junior Championships, winning three European medals. 

Katie won a bronze in Bulgaria, a silver medal in Georgia, and for the third medal, it was back to Bulgaria again to win the bronze medal. 

She has won a multiplicity of county and Munster championship medals. 

She has represented Ireland at events all over Europe and won the Paddy Martin Cup in 2022 as the Cork Boxer of the Year. 

During that presentation, she received very encouraging and a warm acclamation from An Taoiseach Micheal Martin at a dinner dance in the Rochestown Park Hotel. 

A day after winning her 10th national title she spoke to this writer on Sunday evening. 

With a big beaming smile on her face she said all the hard work during the long hot days of summer had paid off, the early morning runs and late night gym sessions were worth it all.

She thanked all those who helped her along the road. 

The Kanturk ace said that Pat Reynolds from B2 Mallow had her in great shape, Ken Moore worked very well with her during college training, and she greatly appreciated what Margret and Michael Lamb did for her preparation, by organising spars and tournament contests all over Europe.

Katie expressed her sincere thanks to all her loyal sponsors, and to Justin Holland of, J Holland Head Stones Kanturk.

"Justin has always been a great sponsor and supporter of mine, he told me during the week to get back to winning titles and don't leave Dublin until you come back as the U23 national champion, so I did that."

This week the sporting barony of Duhallow will toast Katie's 10th All-Ireland title. 

On Friday night next, her greatest supporter, and an ardent follower of the Thursday Boxing column in the Echo, Jack O'Keeffe, who is also Katie's grandad, will celebrate his 90th birthday. 

From all in Cork boxing circles Happy Birthday Jack, and heartiest congratulations to Katie and her outstanding coach, the much admired and very respected Jim McConville.