29 women, including Olympians Michaela Walsh and Grainne Walsh, have today graduated with a Professional Diploma in Leadership and Management as part of a collaboration between Boxing Ireland and Longford College.
This is the first partnership of it’s kind between Boxing Ireland and an institute of further learning.
The professional diploma course modules included an exploration of strategic management frameworks and leadership styles, identification of gender-related challenges in leadership, navigating organizational structures, active mentorship, networking and promotional strategies. Learnings from the course will assist graduates in their sporting, volunteering and professional lives.
The participants, from 24 clubs in counties Antrim, Cork, Down, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo, Tyrone & Wicklow, formally graduated today at a ceremony in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport.
President’s Awards were bestowed by Longford College President Emeritus, Prof. Vincent on Shirley Kenny, Elaine Lavin, Sophie Doolan and Aine McLaughlin. Aine is currently managing a Team Ireland team in international action against Scotland in Glasgow, and could not be present to accept her accolade.
The commencement address was delivered by Boxing Ireland CEO, Gary Stewart. He said ” Today is a proud day for boxing Ireland, for you our graduates and your families. But I don’t see it as the end of your journey but only the start. Visibility matters. When women lead, it changes culture. It improves decision-making, accountability, and belonging. Balance makes organisations stronger, boxing included.”
Gary adds “Boxing teaches us that no one succeeds alone. We all need people in our corner. Allyship is how change actually happens: women backing women, and men in boxing stepping up. You’ve earned your place as leaders. And I want to be clear about my own role too: I’m committed to being an ally using my voice, challenging the gaps, and helping open doors so leadership in boxing starts to reflect the people who give so much to it. Boxing is about courage. Today proves that courage looks like women leading and lifting the whole sport with them. “
Congratulations to all graduates, their clubs and families on a wonderful achievement.
Graduates
Aideen Floyd
Aine Mclaughlin
Aisling Murray
Amanda spencer
Ann Maloney
Bernadette Curran
Bridget Scott
Cará McGillion
Ciara Lavin
Donna Marie Mc Gillion
Elaine Lavin
Emma Walsh
Ericka Barrett
Gráinne Walsh
Juliana Morelli Sisto
Katie Rooney
Lisa Duke
Louise O’Leary
Maeve Clarke
Megan Lavin
Michaela Walsh
Nicola Corrigan Hayden
Nikki Foley
Sadie Duffy
Shauna Lavin
Shirley Kenny
Sophie Doolan
Sophie Loughran
Susan Pearson
Omagh Boys & Girls Club
Spartan Boxing Club
Muskerry Boxing Club
Jobstown Boxing Club
Camac Boxing Club
St. John Bosco ABC Newry
BI Ulster Workforce Development
Bishop Kelly ABC
Ballinamore Boxing Club
Bishop Kelly ABC
Ballinamore Boxing Club
North Down Boxing Club
Smithfield Boxing Club
St. Mary’s BC Tallaght
Muckno Boxing Club
Carrickmacross Boxing Club
Dukes Boxing Club
Dunmanway Boxing Club
BI Sligo Dev Officer
Ballinamore Boxing club
Holy Family GG Boxing Club
Greenhills Boxing Club
BI Ed. & Training Officer
Illies Golden Gloves
Ballinamore boxing club
Curadh Boxing Club
BI WIS Lead
St Agnes ABC
St John Bosco, Donegal Town
Tyrone/Fermanagh
Cork
Cork
Dublin
Dublin
Armagh/Down
Antrim
Tyrone/Fermanagh
Leitrim
Tyrone/Fermanagh
Leitrim
Antrim
Dublin
Dublin
Armagh/Down
Cavan/Monaghan
Tyrone/Fermanagh
Cork
Sligo
Leitrim
Antrim
Dublin
Kerry
Donegal
Leitrim
Wicklow
Antrim
Donegal
Gallery
All images Ryan Byrne/INPHO
