TWO women from Donegal were among 29 graduates who completed a Professional Diploma in Leadership and Management as part of a collaboration between Boxing Ireland and Longford College.
Sadie Duffy of Illies Golden Glove Boxing Club and Susan Pearson of St John Bosco Boxing Club were among those who graduated today.
They joined participants from 24 clubs across Antrim, Cork, Down, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo, Tyrone and Wicklow at a ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport.
This is the first partnership of its kind between Boxing Ireland and an institute of further learning.
The professional diploma course modules included an exploration of strategic management frameworks and leadership styles, identification of gender-related challenges in leadership, navigating organisational structures, active mentorship, networking and promotional strategies.
Learnings from the course will assist graduates in their sporting, volunteering and professional lives.
The commencement address was delivered by Boxing Ireland CEO, Gary Stewart.
“Today is a proud day for boxing Ireland, for you our graduates and your families,” Mr Stewart began.
“But I don’t see it as the end of your journey but only the start. Visibility matters.
“When women lead, it changes culture.
“It improves decision-making, accountability, and belonging. Balance makes organisations stronger, boxing included.”
Mr Stewart said boxing teaches us that no one succeeds alone.
“We all need people in our corner,” he continued.
“Allyship is how change actually happens: women backing women, and men in boxing stepping up.
“You’ve earned your place as leaders.
“And I want to be clear about my own role too: I’m committed to being an ally using my voice, challenging the gaps, and helping open doors so leadership in boxing starts to reflect 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.”
