Shaun Doohan wins on ring return, weeks after armed gang stormed boxing event

The young Donegal boxer who was in the ring ready to fight when masked men stormed into a boxing event in Castlebar four weeks ago made a winning return to action.

Shaun Doohan of Dunfanaghy Boxing Club has won through to the National Boy 4 70kgs semi-finals.

On Friday night at the National Stadium in Dublin, Doohan overcame John Murray from St Francis BC in Limerick. Doohan claimed a 4-1 decision from the judges at ringside.

Doohan will now fight John Ward from Monivea in Saturday's semi-final.

At the start of March, a gang of men, some of whom were wearing ski masks and armed with machetes and bill hooks, burst into the venue in Castlerea.

One man was seriously injured amid violent scenes with the All-Ireland U14 competition subsequently postponed.

Raphoe Boxing Club's Taylor Parke – a two-time Irish champion – is through to the 42kgs final. Parke overcame Patrick Ward from St Michael's, Athy, taking a unanimous decision.

Parke will face Avona's Mikey McDonagh in Saturday's final.

Dunfanaghy BC's Carys McFadden lost a narrow 3-2 split decision in her 43kgs semi-final against Carley O'Herron from Rochfordbridge, while Twin Towns' Molly Lafferty was stopped by Wexford puncher Sophie Lawlor in a 51kgs semi.