Ireland see off England in Mayo

Daniel Coughlan beat Haroon Khan as Ireland edged out England 5-4 at the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport, Co Mayo on Wednesday night.

Coughlan, of the St Anne's club, produced a magnificent performance in front of his own supporters to triumph 12-4 over Khan, a brother of Amir Khan who won silver at the 2004 Olympics.

Garry Molly, European Youth champion Jason Quigley, AIBA World Youth Ray Moylette, also of St Anne's, and big John Sweeney also won.

With the tie in the balance, Sweeney sealed the win after an edge of the seat three-rounder with English heavyweight Rob Evans of the Spit n' Sawdust ABC.

Speaking after the sold out show, Irish team manager Joe Hennigan was full of praise for both squads.

He said: ‘We saw some fantastic boxing from both nations tonight. Danny Coughlan and John Sweeney were involved in the two bouts of the night without a doubt. John's heavyweight contest with Rob Evans was a real cracker and had the crowd on their feet.’

Both nations will meet again at the Ramada Hotel in Ballina tonight. The full line-up will be announced shortly.

Olympic silver medalist Ken Egan beat Brendan Fitzpatrick 19-4 in an additional bout.

Egan was scheduled to meet Gary Barr on the Castlecourt card but the English light heavyweight withdrew injured.

Tara Keane and Shona Geraghty also triumphed.