|
|
McLaughlin honoured by Town
Council
25.11.09
|
by Damian Dowds, Inishowen Independent
Buncrana Town Council
hosted a civic reception for William McLaughlin last
Thursday night.
This has been an outstanding year for the Illies
Golden Gloves boxer, the highlights being victory in
the Irish National Seniors championship in March and
a last eight finish in the World Championships in
September.
Paying tribute to him, mayor Lee Tedstone said
“William is an inspiration to the town and to young
people in his club, in Buncrana and further afield.
It’s great to see him represent Ireland, Donegal and
Buncrana with such distinction. He has had a
tremendously successful season and we wish him well
in his attempt to qualify for the 2012 Olympic
Games.”
Civic receptions have previously been afforded to
Dinny McLaughlin and the North West Golf Club
All-Ireland winning team amongst many others.
Playwright Frank McGuinness will be afforded a civic
reception in the New Year. |
 |
“It’s hard to believe
where I’ve come from since winning the seniors
earlier this year,” William, who is amongst top
rated amateur welterweight boxers in the world.
“This award is brilliant, it tops off the year for
me.”
“It’s brilliant for the club. We’re just 11 years
old but we’re one of the best clubs anywhere in the
country. We have good coaches and a great set up – |
and we’ve some talented
young boxers coming through.”
William is currently training with the national high
performance unit in Dublin where the focus is on
strength and conditioning. The Ulster championships
will be held in January, with the Irish
championships the following month.
Next season will be the toughest yet, he
acknowledges. Roy Sheahan (the previous champion),
John Joe Joyce has moved up from light welterweight
and Ballybofey’s Jason Quigley, who won a gold medal
a the European Youth Championships in August, will
all be contesting his welterweight division.
As national champion he’s now the fighter that
everyone wants to beat, but he’s relishing the
challenge.
In the meantime, he keeps himself in shape by lining
out for Illies FC in the local soccer league.
“It’s nice for a change and helps keep the fitness
levels up,” he says. But come the New Year, it will
be all about the ring as he seeks to rack up
back-to-back national titles and underline his
growing status in the sport. |
|
