Homecomings usually organised by the sports club, says Longford councillor
-2026-10-29T184705-361.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
Councillor Remu Adejinmi supported Cathaoirleach Kevin Hussey’s proposal to hold a civic reception for champion boxers Martin Nevin, Andrew Nugent and Cian Leddy and said the current controversy presented an opportunity to review existing protocols so as to ensure athletes’ achievements were properly recognised.
As public criticism of Longford County Council continues over the lack of an official homecoming for Longford’s European Boxing Championships medallists, Councillor Remu Adejinmi pointed out that such celebrations are usually organised by the athletes’ sports clubs while civic receptions are organised by the council and typically take place at a later date.
In this situation, the three victorious boxers, Martin Nevin, Andrew Nugent and Cian Leddy, are attached to clubs in Galway and Mullingar as there is no boxing club in Longford.
Councillor Adejinmi’s comments came after Longford MD Cathaoirleach Kevin Hussey sought clarification from council management over the absence of an official homecoming for Martin Nevin, who won European gold, and bronze medallists Andrew Nugent and Cian Leddy following the championships in Turkey.
In voicing her support for Cllr Hussey’s motion, Cllr Adejinmi praised the athletes’ exceptional performance and added that the current controversy presented an opportunity to review existing protocols and consider whether changes were needed to ensure athletes’ achievements were properly recognised.
She said, “The welcome home that happens on the street, from my understanding, that is usually organised by the sports club.”
“There is a notice put out in advance and then people come out on the street and support the club to welcome the champions into the county, so that is something that was missed. Perhaps there is an opportunity to review the protocols and see if there are any changes that can be made so that homecoming celebrations happen for any athlete that excels?”
In response to Cathaoirleach Hussey’s request for a civic reception, Longford County Council’s Director of Services John Brannigan confirmed there are civic protocols in place, adding that the matter would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the Corporate Policy Group, the body responsible for such events.
The group are due to meet in November and if the proposal is agreed on that occasion, Mr Brannigan said a reception could potentially be held in December.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.