Triumphant comeback for Newtownstewart's Jude Gallagher

NEWTOWNSTEWART'S own Jude Gallagher made a triumphant return to the ring last Friday night, sealing a unanimous decision victory in his first official bout since suffering a serious back injury at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Competing in a round-robin international at Belfast’s Girdwood Community Hub, the event saw teams from Ireland, England, Hungary, and Ulster square off in an exciting night of top-level boxing. Gallagher, representing Ireland, faced England’s Joe Turner in the 60kg featherweight division, delivering a sharp and composed performance to win all three rounds on the judges’ cards.

Originally scheduled to meet a Hungarian opponent on Thursday, Gallagher’s bout was rescheduled after the withdrawal, but the delay did nothing to dull his edge. Displaying the ring intelligence and experience that made him a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Irish Olympian, Gallagher dominated the early rounds and held firm in a tighter third to secure a clear victory.

“It was great to get the win - three solid rounds and a unanimous decision,” said his coach, John Gallagher of Two Castles ABC. “Jude’s comeback has been a long road after such a serious, career-threatening injury, but his discipline and commitment have been incredible.”

Since recovering from the disc injury that sidelined him after the Olympics, Gallagher has been following a specially tailored training programme designed by his coaches and medical team. He’s now back training full-time at the Irish National High-Performance Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin.

Next on the schedule for the rejuvenated featherweight are two major tests - the Tampere Tournament in Finland at the end of the month, followed by the Ulster Elite Championships in December. Gallagher has previously boxed in Tampere and is eager to test himself again on the international stage.

Gallagher’s success is another proud moment for the Two Castles Boxing Club, a small-town powerhouse that has produced nearly 40 national titles since its founding in Newtownstewart’s Town Hall. The club has become a cornerstone of the community - a place where young boxers dream big and train hard.

“Two Castles isn’t just a boxing club; it’s the heartbeat of Newtownstewart,” said coach Gallagher. “Seeing Jude back winning again lifts everyone - the whole community.”

From the heartbreak of injury to the joy of a victorious return, Jude Gallagher’s comeback is a story of resilience, dedication, and the fighting spirit that defines both the boxer and his hometown.