Boxer Gráinne Walsh has good reason to look forward to the year ahead as she plots out further success in the ring.
The 30-year-old Tullamore native will be among the leading Irish lights competing at the 2026 National Elite Championships at the National Stadium this weekend, where Kellie Harrington goes in search of a 12th national title.
On Saturday she takes on Ava Henry in the 65kg semi-final, with the winner to take on either Linda Desmond or Kaci Rock.
"Preparation has been brilliant," she told RTÉ Sport. "It's been a challenging time at Christmas when everyone is getting cosy around the fire eating all the luxurious food when you can’t partake in any of that, but I love this sport and the discipline that you have to be able to show to get to the top.
"I’m looking forward to kicking it all off this weekend."
Last September Walsh secured bronze after her semi-final defeat at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, a significant achievement after enduring a torrid time with a thumb injury.
A series of ligament ruptures meant she missed out on the Tokyo Games. Three surgeries later Walsh thought she was over the worst of it, but she was forced to concede a walk-over in the gold medal bout at the Nicolae Linca Memorial tournament in April 2022, while European and World ambitions were also shelved.
She battled back to booked her spot at the 2024 Games via last June's final qualification tournament before bowing out in the first round in a split decision.
After securing a World bronze in September, Walsh says she is excited by what 2026 and beyond has in store.
"Having four fights in a week there (Liverpool), the amount that I learned," she said.
"Because I missed out on so much with my injuries a couple of years ago, getting more fights under my belt, that will bring out the best in me.
"I’m not too concerned who is across the ring from me, I am just trying to be the best version of me."
First up however is a date at the National Stadium and the chance to showcase her talent in front of a home crowd.
"It’s great to get to box in the Nationals at the start of the year," she said. "It’s great for people to come and support us as we usually only get to box in Ireland once a year.
"All the Paris Olympians, bar the retired Aidan Walsh, will be competing in the elites, so it is a great opportunity for the public to come out and see that kind of talent.
"I’m 30 now, I want to be as active as I can in the last couple of years in my career."
