Taylor Parke eyes up Irish vest after latest national title

Raphoe Boxing Club's Taylor Parke is eyeing up his first international vest after winning a second Irish title in the space of eight weeks.

The morning after making his Confirmation in Raphoe, the Glenmaquin teenager won the 35kgs title at the National Junior Cadet finals.

Parke had to do it the hard way against Donnacha Beagan of Sean Dorans.

Beagan took the first round on four of the five judges' scorecards, but Parke hit back in style to win the second two verses and take a fine win.

“He came back in strong and deserved the win,” said Raphoe Boxing Club's Head Coach, Gary McCullagh. “We can relax now. It was a busy couple of days for him with his Confirmation.”

Parke was suited and booted when he landed at the club on Friday night when he and coaches, McCullagh and Gerard Keaveney, headed for the capital.

Parke had to shed almost 1.5kgs, but he was unbothered as he took his latest victory at the National Stadium.

“It was brilliant,” the Royal and Prior student told Donegal Live. “I knew that I was behind after the first round. I had to keep at it. I was a bit more aggressive in rounds two and three.

“I am delighted to get it, I am so happy to get it.”

Parke will now go to the William Wallace Box Cup in Stirling with a Donegal select next month and McCullagh believes he could be set to wear the Irish vest.

He said: “The IABA aren't taking a team to the Europeans but we hope now he can get picked for a multi-nations – he would definitely deserve it.”

In April, Parke overcame Calvin Stokes from Olympic BC to land the Boy 3 35kgs title.