European Youth Champion boxer Niamh Fay of Swords Boxing Club honoured with civic reception

Fingal County Council has held a civic reception at County Hall in Swords in honour of boxing champion Niamh Fay who won gold at the European Youth Boxing Championships.

A member of Swords Boxing Club, the Ballyboughal native won the gold medal when she defeated Croatia's Nikolina Cacic in Sofia, Bulgaria in September.

The 17-year-old comes from fine boxing stock – her father, Gary Fay, is her trainer and a former Irish title-holder, while younger brother John Fay won bronze at the Europeans last year.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: “I’m honoured to host the first civic reception of my tenure to recognise an inspirational athlete. Niamh was the only Irish boxer to reach the finals from a team of 19, and the youngest boxer in the finals overall.

“Her long list of achievements reflects an incredible work ethic – she is currently training twice a day throughout the week and also studying for her Leaving Cert.

“I was particularly struck by how humble Niamh is given her talent, and I have no doubt that she can go as far as she wants to in the world of boxing.

“I hope that in years to come Niamh returns to Fingal with a gold medal around her neck from the Olympic Games.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Niamh has made Fingal proud with admirable dedication, skill and determination.

“It’s important that we recognise and appreciate a truly inspirational athlete, and I’d like to commend Niamh and Swords Boxing Club on their fantastic victory”.