Posted online: May 21st, 2008

By Séamus Cradden

seamus@inishtimes.com

Deputy Mayor of Buncrana, Peter McLaughlin, highlighted the hard work done by members of Illies Golden Gloves boxing club in making what he described as “a great sporting night for Buncrana”.

Mr McLaughlin said: “It is a great achievement for Illies to stage an event like this, and everyone in the club deserves praise for it.

“Young people today need direction and discipline and need someone to direct them. Illies boxing club are doing just that in this area.

“They are a public spirited organisation who are doing great work for this community.

“They are giving young people confidence instead of criticism, and the results can be seen here tonight.”

Mr McLaughlin also praised the locally based Polish support for coming out in huge numbers to cheer on their country.

He said: “It’s great to see the local Polish people coming out and roaring for their own, as well as those who have travelled here to take part.

“I am very happy to see the large number of Polish people here. They all seem to be enjoying themselves a lot and they are mixing well with the Irish fans.

“There is a great sporting atmosphere here tonight. The boxing was first class and the crowd were fantastic.”