Gallagher strikes again as Ulster crown keeps Commonwealth dream alive

NEWTOWNSTEWART'S Jude Gallagher has once again stamped his authority on Ulster boxing, powering his way to a second Ulster elite title and taking a major step towards selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Olympian delivered a statement performance at Belfast’s Girdwood Community Hub, defeating Jordan O’Donnell of St George’s by a dominant 5–0 unanimous decision in the 60kg final.

It capped a ruthless championship run that underlined Gallagher’s class, adaptability and hunger at the highest level.

Competing in a new weight category following World Boxing’s restructuring of divisions, Gallagher has wasted no time proving he belongs at 60kg.

In the semi-final, he dismantled fellow Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dylan Eagleson with another unanimous decision before closing the show emphatically in the final.

Already a gold medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and an Olympian at Paris 2024, Gallagher’s latest success reinforces his status as one of Ulster’s elite performers at a crucial point in the Team Northern Ireland selection process.

The Ulster Championships are a key battleground on the road to Glasgow, and Gallagher has made it clear he is right where he needs to be.

Boxing out of Two Castles Olympic, Gallagher becomes the second Tyrone fighter to lift an Ulster elite title, following in the footsteps of Tommy Corr, and joins an illustrious roll of honour that includes Carl Frampton, Paddy Barnes, Wayne McCullough, Paul McCloskey and Dominic Bradley - a reminder of the rare company he now keeps.

This was more than just another win.

It was a statement of intent, a reminder of pedigree, and a warning shot to rivals at home and beyond: Jude Gallagher is back, battle-hardened, and firmly on course for another major championship stage.

Newtownstewart Two Castles coach, John Gallagher, said while the fights at the Ulster Championships were tough, Jude held his own thanks to his ring craft and experience.

"In the semi-final he met another Commonwealth gold medalist, Dylan Eagleson. He represented the Republic of Ireland and won a silver medalist at the 2022 European Championships, and while representing Northern Ireland he won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games so he was a tough opponent," he said.

"Jude won the first two rounds of the three round by three minute contest so hung back a little in the third but still emnerged a 5-0 winner.

"There was an amazing atmosphere at the venue as we all know, the Belfast poeiople love their boxing but this didn't affect Jude one bit.

"Indeed I think this was the first time two reigning Commonwealth gold medalists fought one another for this title so a bit of history made too.

"It was the same for the final, the atmosphere was electric and Jordan O'Donnell, another fine boxer, also provide good strongh opposition but again Jude's experience stood him well.

"Jordan was strong, well conditioned and capable but Judge was able for him and again clinched the unanimous 5-0 verdict from the judges."

While qualification for the Commonwealth Games is still officially undecided, winning at these championships is a major boost for Jude's chances.

"I knew from both fights Jude still had 'more in the tank' if needed so he's in great shape at the moment, perhaps his best ever," John added.

"He's now preparing for the Irish National Championship to be held in Dublin in mid-January and, barring any injuries, is in a good place for these."

Jude has bee training at Newtownstewart Two Castles Boxing Club and spends three days a week in Drogheda with coach, Eric Donovan, so with a combination of these he should be in a great palce for any up and coming contests.