The boxing scene is quickly reaching the business end of the season with the regional qualifiers for the National School Boy/Girl Championships starting last weekend in Banbridge, Co Down.

The Erne Boxing Club had a slightly depleted team of just three girls but all progressed through the Mid Ulster Championships stage uncontested.

It was a debutant competition for boxing cousins Aoife Reilly and Orlaith Donegan who claimed Girl 1 (Under 12’s) 35kg and Girl 2 (Under 13’s) 57kg titles respectively.

The third successful member of Team Erne was Katie Rasdale who added the Girl 2 (Under 13’s) 72kg title to her vastly growing collection of accolades.

All three boxers now progress to this weekend’s Ulster Final in Newry, Co Down where they will take on their North-West Zone counterparts for a place in the National Finals in Dublin later this month.

The Erne outfit advise that an unfortunate last minute injury prevented a fourth member of their Girls squad from taking part and winning a title.

“Whilst it’s always an anticlimax to win their regional titles uncontested, nothing should be taken away from their achievements.

“The girls have worked very hard and have all picked up a bloody nose or two in sparring whilst preparing for these championships.

“For Aoife or Orlaith to get through the Ulster stage in their first ever competition will be a big ask but we are quietly confident that both girls will do very well and may cause a surprise.

“Katie Rasdale is expected to progress comfortably, she has improved immensely since her Irish final setback last year and will be a strong contender for National honours this time around,” said Erne Boxing Club Head Coach Sean Crowley.

The Ulster Finals take place this Sunday in St John Bosco Boxing Club, Newry and the winners will progress to the championship finals at the National Boxing Stadium in Dublin following the Easter weekend.