Top boxers in action at Clann Naofa
CLANN Naofa Boxing Academy in Muirhevnamor will host the Leinster Juvenile Championships for the third time in March.
The Dundalk club’s state-of-the-art facility next to the Sport Centre will host some of the top underage boxers in the country on March 14th, in what is a great privilege and honour for the club.
Head Coach James O’ Neill, who is also an Irish coach, feels that the honour of hosting a major event is a huge boost to the disadvantaged area of Muirhevnamor.
‘Unfortunately due to anti-social behaviours more often than not Muirhevnamor gets bad press. However, we have amazing facilities within our community and a lot of community volunteers, which hosting this event will showcase.
‘I am extremely proud of all the hard work that is carried out by numerous volunteers in many various projects that ultimately all works towards keeping our young, vulnerable generation off the streets and away from the alternative lifestyles such as drug and alcohol abuse and many other anti social behaviours.
‘Within our community Clann Naofa Boxing Club provides our children and adolescents with a safe environment to grow and prosper, boxing is only one element of that. We consider our wee club to be a family where children and young people’s emotional well-being is paramount.
‘The children who have came through our doors over the past twenty-one years have gone on to achieve great success in their own personal lives and are still affiliated with our club and continue to send their own children here.
‘It gives the coaches of the club a great sense of pride to know that they have made a difference to many young people’s lives and if the club had not existed many of our success stories may not have had the same happy ending.
‘With regards to boxing Clann Naofa is a small club with a handful of dedicated coaches who give up their own time. That said we have achieved great success within the boxing ranks; to date we have secured over 130 Irish titles, over 140 Leinster titles four European medallists (Shauna O Callahan, Evelyn Igaro, Dearbhla Tinnelly and Nasia) and two who have reached world championship status (Shauna O Callahan and Evelyn Igaro). Not to mention our very recent achievements of Evelyn Igaro becoming Irish Elite Champion at only 18 years of age.
‘This success does not come easy it comes from passion and dedication from coaches and of course the willingness of the children/young adults. We believe this can only be achieved by forging a bond with our young people based on mutual trust and respect and instilling a sense of pride and self belief in our young people.
‘Over the past twentyone years our community has come together many times to raise funds, to help out at events without the help and support of the local people our success could not have been achieved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each individual person who has volunteered many times over the years and express our sincere gratitude and for your continued support for the up and coming Leinster boxing championships.
‘This great event is a cause of celebration for our community, it provides an opportunity for the community to come together to promote all the positive work that goes on within our community and to showcase the amazing talent here.
‘Everyone is welcome on the day and any local businesses wishing to help sponsor the event would be greatly appreciated.’