Beyond The Ropes: Dearbhla Rooney

Beyond The Ropes: Dearbhla Rooney

Dearbhla Rooney, born in County Sligo, started boxing when she was just 11. Thirteen years later, the 24-year-old is now thirty-two fights into her boxing journey, a career that has already given her National titles, European medals, and more.

“I had a fairly active upbringing,” Rooney says of her early life. “There was always a strong interest in sport at home, especially GAA, and I spent a lot of time helping out on the farm, too, so I always kept going with something.”

A sporting life was perhaps always inevitable for Rooney. A family life that had sports all around her. “I’ve always been sport-minded,” Rooney told me. “I grew up in a very active household where sport was a big part of everyday life. I played multiple sports from a young age and I always loved the competitive side of it, as well as the social side. Being involved in sport helped shape my values around teamwork, discipline, and hard work, and it’s definitely played a big part in guiding my career path.”

Like many, boxing came into her life via another sport and a desire to improve in that initial craft. “I first got into boxing when I was eleven because my brother was doing it, and I also wanted to improve my performance in Gaelic football. I ended up winning my first All-Ireland that year, stopping every opponent along the way, and I was hooked after that.”

“What I enjoy about boxing is the focus on training and personal growth,” Rooney adds when I ask her what she specifically likes about her sport. “It’s motivating to be around people who are dedicated and passionate. Boxing teaches valuable life skills, discipline, and a strong work ethic, all of which are applicable outside of the ring.

“Boxing keeps me fit and provides a structured routine that helps me stay on track. The training sessions are challenging, but they give me more energy and mental focus.”

Boxing asks for plenty from its participants. It is an unforgiving sport that often leaves little time for anything else. Rooney understands that. “The hardest part of boxing is missing out on social time with friends and committing to training,” Rooney admits. “But, the discipline makes the achievements more rewarding and helps you appreciate the process. Finding that balance is important.

“Sport can be a very lonely sport. Boxing has its ups and downs, but focusing on the bigger picture helps. The progress made through consistent effort matters more than wins or losses. Small milestones, like showing up for training or even stepping into the ring, keep the focus on growth, and each challenge is an opportunity to improve.”

Those thirty-two amateur fights have brought much success. The 2023 National Senior Champion. A two-time University Champion. A European Youth Silver medal in 2018. A five-time All-Ireland Underage Champion. But the highlight of her career so far came in 2018 at the Youth Olympics.                          

“The highlight of my career was definitely going to the Youth Olympics and winning the bronze medal. Competing on such a large international stage, staying in the Olympic village, and meeting other athletes from different sports was a great experience.”

Away from boxing, Rooney has a busy and fulfilling life. “I’m a Community Sports Development Officer with SSRP, and I graduated from ATU Sligo last year with a degree in Health Science and Physical Activity. I also play Gaelic football and enjoy the gym.”

Going forward, Dearbhla Rooney has no immediate thoughts about turning professional. The goals lie in the unpaid ranks. “My short-term goals are to recover from my injured elbow, continue learning new things, and get stronger and fitter,” Rooney told FightPost. “My long-term goals are to compete in more tournaments and eventually start coaching. I love seeing more girls joining the sport.”