Bethany Doocey – Women in Sports Week 2024
Date: March 5, 2024
Highlighting women in sports
Bethany Doocey
21-year-old Keelogues native Bethany Doocey, who represents Castlebar Boxing Club, is one of the highest rated female boxers in the country. We were delighted to chat with her as part of #Womeninsportire Week 2024
How were you introduced to the sport of your choice and what was your local club?
I come from Keelogues, Ballyvary and box at Castlebar Boxing Club. I played team sports from the beginning when I started boxing, but never really enjoyed it that much, and then one day my friend and I decided we would try something new, so we went for a training session at the boxing club and I haven't looked back since.
Could you tell us something about your sporting career so far in a few lines?
I have had an extremely successful boxing career that I am very proud of. I have 11 national titles and two of them are elite national titles. I have represented Ireland internationally on many occasions in various countries.
What would you consider your proudest achievement to date?
Winning my second Elite National title was a huge milestone for me. When I won my first elite title in October 2021 I was thrilled and I was the first person to ever win an elite title for Castlebar boxing club, so of course that was huge for me and the club. But it was incredible to win my second elite title in a row and retain my title. I couldn't believe what I had achieved and beating such a highly decorated boxer while my opponent was the European Youth Champion and World Youth Championship bronze medalist made me realize how good I can be.
What advice would you give to all the young girls out there starting their journey in your chosen sport?
To give exercise a proper try, no matter what the sport is or how different the sport is, make sure you try it and do your best before deciding if it is the right sport for you. I tried 6/7 sports before I came across boxing. It was definitely the right sport for me! So never give up, and if you feel like you're falling out of love with a particular sport, maybe it's time to try another sport.
Would you have had a local hero to look up to as a child? A coach, teacher or colleague who has inspired you?
I don't think I could name a local hero, but since we live in the same house with three brothers, it was always a competition no matter what sport we did or didn't do! So it's fair to say that I looked up to my brothers the most! I still look up to my brothers and my parents, but I also get a lot of inspiration now from my coach Myles Cresham. He is incredible and the work he has done with me and all the other members of the club is truly inspiring and I can safely say that I wouldn't be there without the encouragement and support of Myles and Castlebar Boxing Club would be where I am today. I am incredibly lucky to be part of a great club.
Finally, what do you love about Mayo and the city you come from?
There's a lot to love about mayo. I love it especially because it is the place where I grew up and holds many memories for me. I love the landscape and how peaceful the county is overall, the people are always nice and there is lots to do.
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