World champion John ‘a sports star for years to come’
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World champion John Donoghue with his family at the Address of Recognition by Westmeath County Council last Monday evening.Image 2 of 5
John Donoghue with one of his coaches Kenny Kiernan.Image 3 of 5
John Donoghue with, from left: Cllr Bill Collentine, Deputy Robert Troy, Cllr Emily Wallace, Mayor John Shaw, Minister Peter Burke and Cllr Andrew Duncan.Image 4 of 5
World champion John Donoghue with his title belt and Address of Recognition.Image 5 of 5
John Donoghue with, from left: Catherine Darby, Mayor John Shaw and Sheila Healy .World championship winning boxer John Donoghue has received an Address of Recognition from Westmeath County Council.
One of Irish boxing's brightest talents, John took gold in the light welterweight category at the World Junior Championship in Armenia in early December defeating Uzbekistan’s Ulmasov Khikmatillo in the final.
Cllr Andrew Duncan, who proposed that the council host an Address of Recognition for the young boxer, said that it was fitting that John received official recognition for his exploits in the ring.
An experienced boxing coach, Cllr Duncan also predicted that John has a very bright future in the sport.
“You don't win a world title easily, especially in a competitive sport like boxing. He's very dedicated, his family are dedicated and he's got a good coach.”
John's bid for glory at the world championships almost ended prematurely when it looked as if his quarter-final bout against Zakhar Bespalov would fall victim to the IABA's boycott of Russian fighters following a directive from the Sport Ireland.
Cllr Duncan, along with Fine Gael colleague Peter Burke, were among a group of local politicians who intervened on John's behalf with the government to ensure that the fight went ahead.
The manner in which John handled the controversy is a testament to his maturity and level headedness, Cllr Duncan says.
“He didn't get it easy. Politics and sport should be intertwined, especially at juvenile level.
“He is exceptionally calm and is naturally gifted, an athlete born and bred. He is one of those who 'always has time on the ball', which means he is a cool character who makes good decisions.
“He has a real chance of winning things at the highest level, including the Olympics. Being cool under pressure separates the big day players from the rest and he is definitely one of them.”
Mayor John Shaw said that John was a worthy recipient of an Address of Recognition.
“The members don't give out these addresses without thinking about it and John's is fully warranted.
Anyone who brings international recognition back to Mullingar certainly deserves to honoured.
“I chatted to him and he is a remarkable young fella, at that age to be so mature and confident.
“I'd say it is only the start of things. I am always interested in chatting to sportsmen to see what sort of character they have. You can see his confidence, but he is also humble.
“He ticks a lot of boxes to be a sports star for years to come.”
The talented 15-year-old was joined at the event by his mother Bridgette Maher, father John, extended family and colleagues from Olympic Boxing Club in the County Buildings on Monday evening last, February 12.
Also in attendance were members of Mullingar Municipal District, district officials, Minister Peter Burke and Deputy Robert Troy.