Her second major title in two weeks

Many know her as a proud member of An Garda Síochána - working night and day to keep the public safe in one of the toughest jobs in the country.

But outside of work, Macroom woman Christina Desmond is a highly decorated boxer with countless hours of experience in the ring. And all of her skill was on full display on Saturday night (24th October) as she took on Spain's Clara Lopez in the hopes of taking the European Boxing Union (EBU) Super Lightweight belt.

The match came after Desmond made history just two weeks ago - beating Galway's Louise Creaven to become the first person to hold the Boxing Union of Ireland (BUI) Irish Women's Super Lightweight title. It was her sixth professional fight, capping off her no-loss record with another win in Cork's Parochial Hall.

On Saturday, her match was much further from home at the Pabellon Ovni sports arena in Valencia - but it's clear the location had no impact on the Cork woman's boxing. All of her training paid off as she dodged around her brawler opponent across 10 rounds while consistently landing solid blows.

After an exhausting match, Desmond was emotional as the judges crowned her the winner, making her a European titleholder. The Garda is stationed in An Rinn in West County Waterford, and her victory was praised on social media by the force's official page.

St.. Paul's Garda Credit Union, which sponsors Desmond and helped fund An Rinn Garda station's gym, also shared social media: "Massive congratulations to Christina Desmond on her fantastic victory over Clara López in Spain, claiming the vacant European Light Welterweight title!

"We were proud to support Christina on her journey and are thrilled to see her hard work, dedication and determination rewarded with this incredible achievement.

"Everyone at St. Paul’s Garda Credit Union wishes Christina continued success as she continues to make history in the ring!"

Desmond made her professional debut at the National Stadium in Dublin in October last year, stopping her opponent inside two rounds. The following month, she defeated Argentina's Naila Abigail Peloso on points over six rounds in Belfast. The Cork native is the most decorated Irish female amateur to turn professional since her former teammate Katie Taylor.