Longford Cathaoirleach seeks answers over lack of homecoming for champion boxers

A civic reception honouring the victorious young Longford boxers could take place this December.

News of a potential reception came after Longford MD Cathaoirleach Kevin Hussey called on Longford County Council to explain why no official homecoming was organised for the county’s young boxers following their success at the European Boxing Championships in Turkey.

Cllr Hussey acknowledged the disappointment expressed by members of the public that no formal welcome had been organised for the athletes, which included European gold medallist Martin Nevin and bronze medallists Andrew Nugent and Cian Leddy.

Speaking ahead of the Longford Municipal District budget meeting, Cllr Hussey first congratulated the “outstanding young boxers who represented Longford and Ireland at the European Boxing Championships in Turkey.”

He added, “These young athletes have put Longford on the European sporting map. Their achievements are a credit to themselves and their families, coaches, clubs and committees, however I want to acknowledge the genuine disappointment expressed by the members of the public that there was no official homecoming organised to welcome these athletes back to Longford.”

Cllr Hussey asked if any arrangements had been considered for the boxers’ return and whether requests for a homecoming had been received.

He proposed that Longford County Council organise a civic reception to recognise their achievements.

“My understanding is that formal civic receptions are governed by council protocols and the appropriate council structures. I would therefore welcome clarification from management as to what arrangements if any were considered regarding the return of these athletes and if any requests for an official homecoming were received?”

“I’m not raising this to appoint blame to any individual or department, I’m raising this because we should have a clear structure in place to recognise sporting achievements, particularly when young boxers represent at the European or international level.”

“As Cathaoirleach, I would formally like to propose that we organise a civic reception for these young athletes. I believe this would be a fitting opportunity for us as elected representatives to organise and recognise their outstanding achievements and show our appreciation and pride that they have brought to Longford.”

Cllr Peggy Nolan supported the proposal, saying she was “unduly annoyed” that no homecoming had been organised for the boxers.

She said the council needed to clarify the protocols governing such events.

Cllr Seamus Butler also voiced his support but highlighted the fact that there are different grades of civic receptions and that the proposal may have to go through the council’s Corporate Policy Group (CPG) as “it’s not generally done at the municipal level.”

Cllr Remu Adejinmi commended the boxers’ achievements describing them as exceptional.

Referencing the backlash regarding the homecoming, the councillor stated it was her understanding that homecoming welcomes were usually organised by the relevant sports club with advance notice given to the community. She added that civic receptions in the county typically took place at a later date.

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 and 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 question, Director of Services John Brannigan replied, “As rightly pointed out there, there are civic protocols in place. Some of the athletes involved are from different municipal districts and based on the conversation here this afternoon, we will put it on the agenda for the next Corporate Policy Group to have a civic reception for those involved. The policy group have a meeting in November. If that’s agreed then potentially an event could be held in December.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme