Roscommon boxer Aoife O'Rourke suffered a shock elimination from the Olympics in Paris last night, losing a split decision to Polish fighter Elzbieta Wojcik. O'Rourke was the favourite going into the 75kg last 16 bout having been undefeated against her opponent in their previous encounters. There was heartbreak at The Enterprise Hub in Castlerea last night where hundreds of her supporters had gathered to cheer Aoife on.
That was the moment Aoife O'Rourke's Olympics dream ended for another four years. Supporters in her hometown were deeply disappointed for the Castlerea woman and frustrated by the manner of her defeat. Polish fighter Elzbieta Wojick finally got the better of O'Rourke despite being deducted a point in the opening round for persistent holding. The split decision defeat left Aoife's fans venting their frustration at the judges and referee Kabilan Sai Ashok of India.
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Local councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice said it was a tough defeat to take but that Castlerea is extremely proud of its two-time Olympian. While it's not certain what the next four years will bring, one thing's for sure, Castlerea's golden girl will get plenty of support and home comfort when she returns from Paris.
