PICTURES: Leitrim female boxers graduate with ground-breaking diplomas in leadership

29 women, including Olympians Michaela Walsh and Grainne Walsh and boxers from Leitrim, graduated with a Professional Diploma in Leadership and Management at the weekend as part of a collaboration between Boxing Ireland and Longford College.

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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 organizational structures, active mentorship, networking and promotional strategies. Learnings from the course will assist graduates in their sporting, volunteering and professional lives.

 The participants, from 24 clubs in counties Antrim, Cork, Down, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo, Tyrone & Wicklow, formally graduated today at a ceremony in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport.

President's Awards were bestowed by Longford College President Emeritus, Prof. Vincent on Shirley Kenny, Elaine Lavin, Sophie Doolan and Aine McLaughlin. Aine is currently managing a Team Ireland team in international action against Scotland in Glasgow, and could not be present to accept her accolade.

READ MORE: Gallery: Local sports stars honoured at annual Leitrim Sports Awards

The commencement address was delivered by Boxing Ireland CEO, Gary Stewart. He said " Today is a proud day for boxing Ireland, for you our graduates and your families. 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."

Gary adds "Boxing teaches us that no one succeeds alone. We all need people in our corner. 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. "