Members and Executive of Offaly County Council honour boxers Gráinne Walsh, Nicole Buckley and Paul Loonam at Civic Reception

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 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.

Photos shared via our social media channels.