Three elite Offaly boxers honoured at Civic Reception

Three Offaly boxers have been honoured at a Civic Reception hosted by Offaly County Council.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran, on behalf of Offaly County Council Elected Members, held a civic reception to honour the achievements of Gráinne Walsh, Nicole Buckley and Paul Loonam and to acknowledge their pursuit of excellence in the boxing arena.

All three sports stars hold National Elite boxing titles in their respective weight categories - titles which are reserved for the highest level attainable in Irish amateur boxing.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Robert McDermott, Chair of Offaly Sports Partnership, outlined Gráinne’s, Nicole’s and Paul’s respective impressive sporting honours and acknowledged their sporting past as they all were involved in various sporting activities from a young age.

Their combined dedication to, and high performance in, boxing has ensured the Offaly and Irish flags are flown with pride in numerous World and European competitions as well as domestic competitions.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran, on behalf of Offaly County Council Elected Members, honouring the sporting achievements of Gráinne Walsh.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran, on behalf of Offaly County Council Elected Members, honouring the sporting achievements of Nicole Buckley.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran, on behalf of Offaly County Council Elected Members, honouring the sporting achievements of Paul Loonam.

Cathaoirleach Moran paid tribute to the athletes boxing clubs and coaches including Tullamore based Spartacus, under Dima Dmitruk as well as Paul Loonam Snr, Kevin Loonam, George Meares and Darren Buckley in Rahan based St Carthage’s Boxing Club.

All three sports stars addressed the Civic Reception and individually paid tribute to their families, boxing clubs and coaches, as well as their supporters and the wider boxing communities. It was a wonderful event which was well attended by their supporters.

On behalf of all Elected Members and County Council Management Team, Cathaoirleach Cllr Moran wrapped up the event by congratulating all three boxers for the pride they have brought to Offaly and thanked them for their commitment and dedication to the sport.