THE CLARKE SISTERS, Labhaoise and Jessica, from Carndonagh ABC are in Paris this weekend for a dual match against a French boxing selection.
The Clarkes, who have nine Irish titles between them, were selected by the Edenderry BC to travel for the two tournaments in the French capital.
A 15-strong team has been assembled by coach Liam Brereton and included the Carndonagh sisters.
Picture caption: Jessica Clarke and Labhaoise Clarke with the President of the Donegal Boxing Board, Peter O’Donnell. Picture by Geraldine Diver.
Back in February, seven-time Irish champion Labhaoise Clarke won a gold medal at the Brampton Cup in Ontario, Canada.
The bantamweight overcame Canadian Katuishka Vasquee-Soto in the Female Youth Open at 52kgs.
“I’m nervous enough because I haven’t done any competitive fights since Canada,” Labhaoise told Donegal Sport Hub.
On Thursday night, she returned to action in an exhibition bout with Boston’s Amanda Gurekki at The Clanree Hotel at a bumper tournament between selects from Donegal and Boston.
Clarke said: “It was good to get back into the ring, even if it was just an exhibition, just to get the feel of it again.
“Canada was a great experience. The standard of the boxing was so high, it’s much better out there. It really improved me.”
Flyweight Jessica Clarke has won two Irish titles to date and this year has already won an Ulster 9 Counties title, when she defeated Aine Tanney of Carrickmore in the final at Hazelwood Integrated College in County Antrim.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Clarke said of the trip to Paris.
“It’s been a good year so far. I can’t wait to get out to Paris for two fights. It’ll be a great experience.”
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