McDonagh brothers are at the double

Following on from Patrick’s national schoolboy title in March, Tommy has just won the Junior ABA crown.

Never in Walcot’s history have two brothers both won national titles in the same season.

Fourteen-year-old Patrick beat northern champion Khaleel Majid on points to claim the class two (52kgs) national schoolboy title.

Tommy, 16, recovered from a first-round knockdown to defeat another northern champion, Michael Connor, in a thrilling class four (66kgs) Junior ABA final.

Both McDonagh lads have represented England Schoolboys and although last year the family moved away to Reading, the boys stayed loyal to the Walcot gym.

Dad Paddy explained: “Both lads have been at Walcot for about eight years now and neither wanted to join a new club, so I make a 100-mile round trip three times a week so they can still train with Walcot.

“(Chief coach) Harry Scott and his team seem to get the best out of them, and my boys enjoy the training.

“The travelling to and from the gym is tough at times, but the results speak for themselves.”

Scott added: “This is a great achievement, both for the McDonagh family and for Walcot ABC. Congratulations to Tommy and Patrick, two good boys who work hard and deserve their success.

“I would like to thank my entire coaching staff for their hard work throughout the season - Sarah Wicks, Harold Scott (Junior), Danny Hughes, Lionel McCrea, Dave Veysey, Michael Bolton and Jason O'Donoghue - because every coach plays a part in the continued success of Walcot ABC.”