More young boxing champions crowned
Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin has hailed another major milestone for his Mullingar Shuffler Boxing Club after two of his young fighters captured All-Ireland titles over the Easter weekend.
The championships, held at the National Stadium in Dublin, saw the Patrick Street-based club continue its remarkable rise, bringing its total to nine Irish titles in less than three years.
Nevin, who coaches the next generation of boxers at the club, said the latest success came in the 11–13 age category, where two young fighters delivered standout performances.
His nephew, 13-year-old Christy Nevin, claimed his first All-Ireland title after three years of trying.
“It meant a lot,” Nevin said, noting the dedication shown over a sustained period before finally reaching the top of the podium.
Also celebrating was 12-year-old Christy Nevin, a cousin of John Joe's, who secured his second consecutive All-Ireland title, having also been crowned Irish champion last year.
The back-to-back victory underlines the strength of talent emerging from the Mullingar club, which has quickly established itself as a force in underage boxing since opening its doors.
Nevin said the achievements reflect both the commitment of the young athletes and the support structures around them.
“To have nine Irish titles in under three years is huge for any club, especially a relatively new one,” he said.
The success is not limited to boys’ boxing, with Nevin confirming that girls are also actively involved and progressing well within the club, reflecting the growing inclusivity of the sport at grassroots level.
Attention now turns to upcoming competitions, with more young fighters preparing to step into the ring in the coming weeks. Qualifiers scheduled for Drogheda this weekend will see two other members of the Mullingar Shuffler club in action – John Joe’s son, Martin Nevin along with Patrick Stokes. They will be attempting to qualify for the forthcoming Four Nations championships taking place in Scotland soon.
Operating out of Patrick Street in Mullingar, the Mullingar Shuffler Club has rapidly become a hub for developing talent, guided by Nevin’s experience at the highest level of the sport, and new members are welcome.