Aidan Walsh relishing being involved in another Commonwealth Games

Walsh along with sister Michaela, who has won silver medals at the last two Commonwealth Games, are leading medal contenders for podium finishes among the 13 strong Team NI boxing squad going to Birmingham this summer.

Walsh lost in the final four years ago to England’s Pat McCormick, and the pair went on to meet in the Olympic semi-final, but after injuring himself celebrating his last-eight victory Merven Clair of Mauritius the Emerald club fighter came home with a bronze.

“An undefeated Olympian a few people have said that to me,” laughed Walsh.

“It’s great because who knows how far I could have went and it is something going forward in the Commonwealth Games how far can I go.

“It was just a freak accident, looking back now I didn’t realise I could jump that high and now I know not to do it in the future if I ever get to that point again which I hope to do, it is great to be an Olympian.

“For me it is going into the unknown of how far I can go, I’m willing to test myself and looking forward see how far I can get.”

Walsh is looking forward to fighting in another major tournament and sharing the experience with his sister.

“It is my second Commonwealth Games along with my sister and it is her third games which is great,” he said.

“This is my second Commonwealth Games and I don’t know if I’ll be about for the next one.

“My main goal is to go a bit further than I went the last time and just trying to enjoy it and soak it all in because before you know it goes in a flash.

“I’m really looking forward to it and to do it again with my sister is amazing and to do it with great people and for my boxing club it is great.

“Michaela and me were always really close and we still are.

“She is my best friend, someone who I