A fantastic week for Mickey Mcdonagh came to an agonising end this morning after the Merlins Bridge ABC boxer lost a split decision to Australian Harry Garside in the Men's Boxing 60KG semi final at the Commonwealth Games.

The home fighter was given the verdict by three judges to two, after a tight and cagey contest at the Oxenford Studios.

It was the Australian who appeared to edge the first round as neither fighter allowed the other to build a head of steam, but the Pembroke Dock man responded in rounds two and three, and a strong finish seemed to give him every chance of taking the contest and making the Gold medal final.

But the scorecards ruled 29-28, 29-28, 28-29, 28-29, 30-27 in favour of Garside.

It means Mcdonagh will now return home with a bronze medal, having further enhanced his reputation as a young fighter capable of performing on the big stage.

His coach at Merlins Bridge, Graham Brockway, who has been in regular contact with his young protege throughout the Games, told Telegraph Sport that he was immensely proud of him.

"To go there at the age of 19 and win a Bronze medal is superb," he said.

"I've known him since he was a youngster and I'm so proud of him.

"He had to change tactics for his fight today and it didn't quite happen - but he will learn so much from it and to perform like he has in his first major Championships sets him up really well for a shot at the 2020 Olympics."

Earlier this week, Mcdonagh outclassed Qhobosheane Mohlerepe (Lesotho) in round one to take a unanimous 5-0 verdict, and then produced a similar display to see off the dangerous Thadius Katua (Papua New Guinea) by the same scoreline.

And shortly after this morning's bout, Telegraph Sport spoke to his sister, Stacey Mcdonagh, who thanked everyone for the support.

"We are extremely proud of what Mickey has done, to get to the Commonwealth Games and to compete against world level opponents is an achievement in itself. Coming home with a bronze medal at 19 just says it all.

"And as a family we want to thank everyone for the support. It has been really touching seeing so many people behind him."

An sue enough, Mcdonagh, who splits his weekly training between Cardiff and Merlins Bridge, is now expected to turn his attention to making the Team GB squad for the 2020 Olympic Games on Tokyo.