Senan Kelly scoops Fighter of the Year honour at Boxing Union of Ireland bash as trainer and promoter also win out

SENAN KELLY was last night named Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Union of Ireland — with his trainer Jimmy Halpin and promoter Jay Byrne making it a treble.

Kildare’s Kelly won the BUI’s Celtic title at light-welterweight back in February with victory over Jake Tinklin in Dublin.

He then beat Dale Arrowsmith in May before outpointing close pal Matthew Tyndall — who was also trained by Halpin — for the Irish welterweight crown in October.

Kelly will defend that belt against Declan Geraghty on Byrne’s next show at Red Cow Warehouse on February 15.

Waterford whacker Shane McConnell claimed the Knockout of the Year gong for his spectacular defeat of Fabrizio Rubino in Dublin in July.

The Prospect of the Year award was split between Coleraine’s Matthew Boreland, who won all four fights he contested in 2024, and Wicklow slickster Tyndall, who won six and lost one.

Fight of the Year went to the Craig O’Brien v Edward Donovan dust-up which took place at the 3Arena in September, with O’Brien managing to claim Donovan’s unbeaten record.

Halpin won top Trainer with Byrne named Promoter of the Year, saying: “To do seven shows in 12 months really showed how we like to do business.”