Momentous day for Mullingar’s Olympic Boxing Club
The Olympic Boxing Club in Mullingar is celebrating a proud achievement this week following John Donoghue’s brilliant victory at the World Junior Championships in Armenia, but it’s only the latest in a string of achievements for the successful club.
They have already won 20 national titles this year and tasted success at the recent European Championships in Slovenia, where Jason Donoghue (younger brother of John) won a silver medal. Louise Joyce picked up gold at the same event. In another significant victory, Jason Nevin is an elite champion following his success in the senior league in recent weeks.
Johnny Joyce, lead coach at the Olympic Boxing Club, is overwhelmed with the level of progress he is witnessing as the talented boxers drive each other to dizzy heights.
They are preparing to welcome a new world champion to the club on Wednesday evening, something they could only have dreamed of.
“It’s an outstanding achievement for John Donoghue and a proud moment for him and his family,” said head coach, Johnny Joyce.
“He works extremely hard; there is no secret to his success. He is an amazing young man and he has been improving every year with the club. The standard at the club is just incredible and all the boxers are pushing each other to achieve great things.”
He paid tribute to the various coaches involved and to everyone for their great dedication.
“For the past four years, we have been the most successful boxing club in the country and it’s difficult to see how we can improve for next year, but with the talent that’s emerging, nothing will surprise me.”
The achievement of John Donoghue (see page 1), who has been involved with the club since the age of eight, will inspire other young boxers to great heights, Johnny Joyce feels.
“This is amazing, it will only drive the club on to even more success. We plan to welcome John back to the club this week and it will be a proud moment when he is introduced as world champion.”
John’s family and the people of Mullingar have been celebrating his wonderful success on Sunday, when he overcame Khikmatillo Ulmasov of Uzbekistan following a 4-1 split decision in the 63kg final. It followed a hugely dramatic week both in and out of the ring.
There were frantic negotiations on Wednesday, leading to government intervention on a boycott of Russian fighters by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA), clearing the way for John Donoghue to participate. It all proved worthwhile as the young teenager shocked the world, overcoming opponents from Russia, Greece and Uzbekistan to claim gold.