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Belfast Live
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Gareth Fullerton

Jude Gallagher on the 'boxer's mentality' that led to Commonwealth Games gold rush

Jude Gallagher puts Northern Ireland's Commonwealth Games gold rush last Sunday down to a "boxer's mentality".

The Co Tyrone featherweight joined Amy Broadhurst, Dylan Eagleson and the Walsh siblings - Aidan and Michaela - in becoming a Commonwealth champion in Birmingham.

Northern Ireland won a total of seven medals in the ring including five golds, with Carly McNaul taking silver and Eireann Nugent returning with a bronze.

Read more: Conlan: "Northern Ireland's boxing heroes deserve more financial help"

Newtownstewart 20-year-old Gallagher won his gold with a walkover victory over Joseph Commey who had to withdraw from the final. He also missed out on fighting in the semi-finals after opponent Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmadieh also had to pull out.

Despite the route to gold being slightly easier than planned, Gallagher showed his class in three earlier fights including a sensational first-round stoppage win over Niall Farrell in his first bout at the Games.

"Winning a gold medal was my aim from the start, and that's what I did," Gallagher told Belfast Live.

Jude Gallagher arriving back in Belfast on Tuesday (Philip Magowan/Press Eye)

"It wasn't the ending I wanted, missing out on the semis and final, but there is nothing I could have done about it. I would love to have been in there fighting, but I had three really good nights.

"Finals night was unreal and I wish I could have fought there, but it is what it is."

Reflecting on Northern Ireland's incredible success, Gallagher added: "It is a boxer's mentality. Every boxer wanted to do their best.

"We had a long 10-12 week training camp and we were in Italy twice and also Holland, and you have to make that count.

"And I think winning the gold medals made those sacrifices count. Everyone was brilliant."

Check out Jude's full interview above...

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