Ireland's boxers made it three from three in the European Games in Krakow this evening in their respective women's round of 16 bouts.
21-year-old Daina Moorehouse kicked off proceedings in the 50kg section, winning on a split decision with what proved to be an effective counter attacking approach from the Bray woman.
Her southpaw stance caused issues for her Ukranian opponent Tetiana Kob, who had got the better of Moorehouse back in May in the Usti Labem Grand Prix.
Moorehouse's third round was particularly eye-catching, reeling off several right hooks on the back foot, while also landing some effective body shots. Those shots were applauded by her corner, who previously seemed to advise her to avail of the hook more often, with both tactics paying dividends.
Michaela Walsh then joined her in the quarter-finals, with one more win sufficient for 2024 Olympic qualification for both her and Moorehouse. 30-year-old Walsh got the better of Turkish opponent Aysen Taskin on a 5-0 scorecard.
Again it was the Irish woman on the backfoot, but Walsh looked assured in her upright position. She reeled in her opponent early on, feinting in and out and picking off some hard right hooks.
Her opponent was then warned by the Sri Lankan referee on a few occasions, as she resorted to grappling with Walsh, and despite a more even second round, the outcome rarely looked in doubt.
The multi-Commonwealth medallist and 2020 Olympian will be confident that those Games are not her last, with a semi-final place enough to secure a spot on the plane to Paris.
Roscommon woman Aoife O'Rourke ultimately made it an Irish clean sweep for the day in her 75kg bout against Sweden's Cindy Ngamba.
The 2019 European champion looked more powerful even early doors, but the Swede managed to dodge some heavy jabs in the opening round.
The talented Gaelic footballer was outstanding in the second however, as every shot seemed to land at one point. Her confidence began to show, reflected in her dominance.
The third was a more even encounter once more, as Ngamba was determined in her efforts to claw it back. O'Rourke stayed strong, and finished with some damaging left jabs to seal the win, and a fantastic day at the office for Ireland.
Kellie Harrington is among five Team Ireland boxers in action tomorrow, with the Irish drama beginning at 12pm as Jennifer Lehane faces Stanimira Petrova.
Amy Broadhurst faces Briton Rosie Eccles at 12:45pm, while Dean Clancy, Kelyn Cassidy, and Jack Marley represent the Irish men. All the above are quarter finals, with free live streaming available on the European Games website.
