Twenty-nine women have graduated with a Professional Diploma in Leadership and Management following a new collaboration between Boxing Ireland and Longford International College.
The programme represents the first partnership of its kind between Boxing Ireland and an institute of further learning and is designed to support women taking on leadership roles across the sport, both on and off the canvas.
Graduates formally received their diplomas at a ceremony held at the weekend at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport, with participants drawn from 24 clubs across counties Antrim, Cork, Down, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo, Tyrone and Wicklow.
The professional diploma course covered modules including strategic management frameworks and leadership styles, identifying gender-related challenges in leadership, navigating organisational structures, active mentorship, networking, and promotional strategies. Organisers said the learnings will support graduates in their sporting, volunteering and professional lives.
President’s Awards were presented by Longford College President Emeritus Professor Vincent to Shirley Kenny, Elaine Lavin, Sophie Doolan and Aine McLaughlin. McLaughlin, who is currently managing a Team Ireland squad in international competition against Scotland in Glasgow, was unable to attend the ceremony.
The commencement address was delivered by Boxing Ireland CEO, Gary Stewart, who told graduates that the occasion marked the beginning of a new phase rather than a conclusion. “Today is a proud day for Boxing Ireland, for you our graduates and your families,” Stewart said. “But I don’t see it as the end of your journey — only the start. Visibility matters. When women lead, it changes culture. It improves decision-making, accountability and belonging. Balance makes organisations stronger, boxing included.”
“Boxing teaches us that no one succeeds alone. We all need people in our corner,” he said. “Allyship is how change actually happens — women backing women, and men in boxing stepping up. You’ve earned your place as leaders, and I’m committed to using my voice, challenging gaps and helping open doors so leadership in boxing reflects 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.”
Image Credit: Boxing Ireland, Ryan Byrne, Inpho.ie
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