NOT FOR THE first time, Ireland’s amateur boxers delivered the goods this week at the EUBC European Elite Championships.

Yesterday in Samokov, Bulgaria, Michael Conlan and Joe Ward clinched gold medals, while Dean Walsh was also presented with his bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals.

Michael Conlan in semi-final action against Francesco Maietta. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Conlan avoids Maietta's right. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Words of advice for Conlan from coaches Billy Walsh and Zaur Antia. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Conlan and Maietta trade punches. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Conlan's hand is raised after an excellent performance. Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Vitaly Dunaytsev on the offensive against Dean Walsh in the semi-finals. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Walsh fires back at Dunaytsev. Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

A dejected Dean Walsh after his defeat in spite of a spirited performance. Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Joe Ward on the way to the ring for his semi-final against Hrvoje Sep. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Ward and Sep in action. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Michael Conlan before his final against Great Britain's Qais Ashfaq. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Ashfaq and Conlan locking horns... Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

...before taking a tumble to the canvas, MMA-style. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Ashfaq and Conlan embrace after the final bell. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Conlan celebrates after his victory. Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

A delighted Billy Walsh as Conlan is announced the winner. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Conlan gets his hands - and teeth - on the gold. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Dean Walsh on the podium after receiving his bronze medal. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Joe Ward lands a punch on Peter Mullenberg in the light-heavyweight final... Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

...and another. Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

A second European gold medal secured for the 21-year-old from Westmeath. Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

The golden boy back on the podium. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Ward, Walsh and Conlan with their medals. Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Ward and Conlan are the golden duo. Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

Conlan also picked up the Boxer of the Tournament award. Kostadin Andonov / INPHO Kostadin Andonov / INPHO / INPHO

Mike Tyson wanted to know what this ‘white mother**ker’ was doing in his house

Conlan and Ward win gold for Ireland at the European Championships