With just three weeks to go until the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games get underway, Team NI will send a 12-strong boxing squad to Scotland.
It’s a team that perfectly blends youth with experience. While it may not feature some of the household names of previous Commonwealth campaigns such as Paddy Barnes, Tommy McCarthy, Michael Conlan, Sean McComb and James McGivern, it does include two Olympians who will be looking to add to already impressive medal collections.
For the next generation of Ulster boxers, Glasgow represents the perfect opportunity to announce themselves on the international stage and begin building momentum towards the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.
51kg – Caitlin Fryers
The 2022 European silver medallist has already shown she has what it takes to compete for medals on the biggest stages. Fryers brings a wealth of international experience into these Games and only narrowly missed out on the 2026 Irish title, losing to Olympian Daina Moorehouse. If she can stay injury-free and hit top form, she should have her sights firmly set on a place on the podium.
54kg – Nicole Clyde
The reigning 2026 Ulster champion has enjoyed another solid year, picking up valuable international victories in Turkey and Sweden. After reaching the Commonwealth quarter-finals four years ago, Clyde returns to the Games with greater experience and will be determined to go at least one step further in Glasgow.
55kg – Louis Rooney
Rooney has already gained invaluable experience this year by competing at both the Strandja Cup and the World Boxing Cup in Brazil. The 2026 Irish champion also boasts a European U23 gold medal from 2024 and has consistently impressed throughout his underage career. Widely regarded as one of Ireland’s brightest talents, Rooney will travel to Glasgow with genuine podium ambitions.
57kg – Michaela Walsh
What more can be said about Michaela Walsh? A two-time Olympian, multiple European medallist and three-time Commonwealth medallist, including gold in Birmingham four years ago, Walsh heads to Glasgow as one of Team NI’s biggest medal hopes. The reigning Irish champion will have only one target in mind — defending her Commonwealth crown.
60kg – Jude Gallagher
The 2024 Olympian and 2022 Commonwealth medallist returns looking to add another medal to his growing collection. Gallagher claimed the 2026 Irish title with a series of outstanding performances earlier this year and has developed into one of Ireland’s standout performers. The lightweight division will be fiercely competitive, but he has every chance of reaching the podium once again.
65kg – JP Hale
The current Ulster champion heads to Glasgow after gaining valuable international experience in both Turkey and the Netherlands. While a medal would represent an outstanding achievement, the biggest prize could be the experience of competing on such a major stage as the road towards Olympic qualification begins.
65kg – Kaci Rock
The daughter of Irish boxing legend Jim Rock, Kaci has continued to make a name for herself in her own right. The 2026 Ulster champion and Irish semi-finalist has already picked up valuable international experience in Poland and the Netherlands this year. At just 23 years of age, a medal is certainly not beyond her, and Glasgow could prove to be the ideal launching pad towards the 2028 Olympic Games.
70kg – Jon McConnell
One of the most naturally gifted boxers on the island, McConnell has tested himself against world-class opposition this year at the Strandja Cup and the World Boxing Cup in Brazil. The reigning Irish champion also claimed Tammer Cup gold in 2025. On his day, McConnell is capable of beating anyone in the division and should head to Glasgow believing gold is within reach.
70kg – Janseen Hill
Having swapped her passion for horses for boxing, Janseen Hill has enjoyed rapid progress through the amateur ranks. The 2026 Ulster champion has earned her place on the team and won’t simply be making up the numbers. While a lack of top-level international experience may make a medal difficult this time around, the experience gained in Glasgow will be invaluable.
80kg – Eoghan Quinn
Quinn impressed throughout the 2026 Ulster Championships before reaching the quarter-finals of the Eindhoven Cup earlier this year. While he may be viewed as an outsider for a medal, the opportunity to compete alongside such an experienced Team NI squad should prove invaluable for his long-term development.
90kg – Garyn McAllister
Another Ulster champion, McAllister also reached the last eight at the Eindhoven Cup and captured the 2025 Irish U23 title. His talent is unquestionable, and while the experience of competing at this level will be hugely beneficial, he certainly possesses the ability to cause a few surprises in Glasgow.
91kg+ – Willie Jon McCartan
The heavyweight of the squad heads to Glasgow full of confidence after winning the 2026 Ulster title and reaching the semi-finals of the Eindhoven Cup. In the heavyweight division, anything can happen, and if McCartan performs to his potential, it would be no surprise to see him leave Scotland with a Commonwealth medal around his neck.
Words of Wisdom from Commonwealth Veterans
Few understand the unique experience of competing at the Commonwealth Games better than former Team NI stars Sean McComb and James McGivern. Both know the pressure that comes with representing Northern Ireland on one of amateur boxing’s biggest stages, and both believe this year’s squad is more than capable of making a major impact.
Sean McComb’s message is a simple one — enjoy the occasion.
“My advice for the team would be to go out completely relaxed. There is never as much pressure on you as you think there is, so enjoy it. Everyone from Team NI is a medal hope. It’s one of the strongest nations in the world, let alone the Commonwealth.”
James McGivern echoed those sentiments while reminding the squad of the reputation they carry into the tournament.
“My advice would be to make sure you take everything in because it goes in a flash. The Commonwealth Games is a great tournament to really get your name out there to the world. As far as medals go, Ireland has massive medal potential. I’d even go as far as saying we’re the best boxing nation at the Games, so remember that when you’re in the ring and be confident in your ability.”
Those words perfectly sum up the opportunity that awaits this exciting young Team NI squad. The talent is there — now it’s about embracing the moment.
Verdict
Looking across the 12 fighters selected for Glasgow, I genuinely believe this squad is capable of bringing home at least six medals, with every chance of converting a couple of those into Commonwealth gold.
There is a fantastic blend of proven international performers and exciting young prospects, and while experience will be invaluable for many of the debutants, don’t be surprised if a few return home with medals around their necks.
I want to wish every member of Team NI the very best of luck in Glasgow.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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