Déise at the heart of Ireland’s World Boxing Championships bid

When the Irish team touches down in Liverpool this week for the World Boxing Championships, all eyes in Waterford will be on two familiar names: Kelyn Cassidy and Zara Breslin.

The pair carry not just national pride but the hopes of their county, guided in the corner by fellow Waterford native and high-performance coach Lynne McEnery, who says preparations have been relentless but rewarding.

“It’s brilliant because Zara and Kelyn are two good people,” she said. “They’re not messers. They’re two good representatives of the county, and hopefully Waterford boxing grows from the two of them being at elite standard.” Waterford’s influence on this year’s championships isn’t accidental. It’s the result of years of groundwork in local clubs like Saviours Crystals and Tramore, where Cassidy and Breslin cut their teeth.

“In fairness, you have to take your hats off to the clubs,” McEnery insisted. “Before they were elites, they’d done the circuits. They went to box clubs around Ireland and abroad – Portugal, England, Holland. They put in the effort and got that experience. Now the clubs are reaping the reward of having two elite athletes representing their country on the world stage.” 

That journey, she said, is what makes their appearance in Liverpool feel like a “full circle” moment. Cassidy, who came to boxing later than most, has risen quickly through the ranks. Breslin, meanwhile, has persevered through years of hard graft to break into the elite squad.

Cassidy already has a taste of world championship pressure, having reached a medal fight previously. McEnery says that experience has been pivotal.

“You can see Kelyn developing. He’s an awkward opponent to box no matter what way you look at him, but he’s strong and he’s mature. Every time he gets into the ring he becomes more mature, and it’s great to see him buzzing after spars and getting good feedback.” That maturity will be vital in Liverpool. Cassidy has already gone toe-to-toe with Olympic gold medallist Oleksandr Khyzniak at the European Games, running him agonisingly close. “It was so, so close,” McEnery recalled. “Those nerves are natural, but it’s about controlling the controllables when they get in there.” If Cassidy brings experience, Breslin brings fearless energy. Her first steps into international competition have been impressive.

“We were just back from Sheffield with the top nations and Zara got four great spars,” McEnery said. “Cool, calm, collected. She didn’t look out of place one bit. It was fantastic to see.” 

Her mindset, the coach believes, is her greatest asset. “Zara takes in absolutely everything. When you’re breaking into the elite squad it can be daunting walking around with Olympians and world medallists. But she slotted right in. Nobody’s left out in this squad – everyone shares their experience – and that’s been very beneficial for Zara.” That support has extended to none other than Olympic champion Kellie Harrington, who has sparred and stayed in touch with the young Waterford fighter. “Kellie’s rooting for her 100%. You can’t get any better than that,” McEnery said.

For McEnery, having two of her own in the national squad is about more than medals. It’s about legacy.

“Hopefully what Zara and Kelyn are doing will influence the next generation,” she said. “When you see two local boxers stepping onto the world stage, it shows the young lads and girls in Waterford clubs what’s possible.” She believes it’s a landmark moment for the county. “It’s massive. For Waterford to have two representatives in a 17-strong Irish squad shows the strength of the clubs here and the work that’s been put in over years.” While Waterford can be proud of its contribution, the bigger picture is equally exciting. For the first time, Ireland’s men and women will compete together at a world championship.

“There’s a great buzz about everybody,” McEnery said. “When you sit back and look at the countries – Cuba, the Uzbeks, the Italians, the top Europeans – our lads are going to be mixing with the best in the world. The focus has to be positivity and making that first round the best round of their lives.” 

The squad boasts Olympic veterans like Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke, Michaela Walsh, and Jack Marley alongside rising stars such as Dean Clancy. “You can see the maturity hitting the team now,” McEnery said. “Every time they come into high performance, they’re more focused. It’s brilliant to see.” But even with pedigree and preparation, St. Paul's coach McEnery is keen to stress that boxing is as much psychological as physical.

“The worst five minutes of the whole week can be those five before you get into the ring,” she said. “It’s about implementing the plan, switching off, and not overthinking. Play it down – it’s just another boxing match. They all only have two hands.” Discipline, she added, is everything. “Every boxer wants to medal. But the reality is you can only look at the opponent across from you. Stick to the plan, listen to the corner, and be disciplined.” That’s the standard Cassidy and Breslin have learned to live by.

For McEnery, the joy comes not just in competing but in lifting the sport to greater recognition at home.

“We want to put all our boxers on a pedestal. They train so hard. Hopefully in the next elite championships they’ll be shown on TV, so everyone can sit down on a Friday night and watch. That exposure is what Irish boxing needs.” And whether it’s Liverpool this week or future Olympic campaigns, Waterford will remain central to that story.

“I’m just living the dream,” McEnery admitted. “Every day you’re learning something new or teaching something you’ve learned. To see two Waterford boxers step onto the world stage – that’s what it’s all about.”