Kellie Harrington withdraws from European Games final

Defending world champion Kellie Harrington will withdraw from the final of the 2019 European Games with injury.

The Olympic Federation of Ireland claim that Harrington sustained a hand injury in the semi-final bout with Agnes Alexiusson and she has been deemed unfit to box. The injury is believed to be a right thumb injury with Harrington given every possible opportunity to prove her fitness before a decision was made to withdraw her this morning, meaning she will now receive the silver medal. It's huge blow to Ireland's gold medal hopes, however, hope is not entirely lost with Kurt Walker competing for top honours in the men's bantamweight division.

Performance Director Bernard Dunne said attention turns towards Walker while adding that Harrington still has a lot to look forward to over the next 12 months. "It’s been a fantastic competition for Kellie,” commented Dunne, “it’s unfortunate this injury has arisen, but the right decision has been made that she doesn’t compete. It is unfortunate that hand injuries are part and parcel of boxing, but we need to manage it the right way to ensure a quick return to action. “Kellie has Europeans and Worlds before the year is out and upcoming Olympic qualification events that we are looking forward to. In making this decision we had to take in the big picture to ensure that we don’t further injure the hand. Our focus is now on Kurt.”