Omagh boxing stalwart honoured with national award

OMAGH boxing stalwart, Garry McGillion, has been recognised at national level after receiving both the Tyrone Volunteer Award and the Overall Outstanding Achievement Award at a ceremony hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport, in association with Sport Ireland.

The awards ceremony celebrated 36 outstanding volunteers from across the 32 counties, honouring individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to their clubs, their communities and Irish sport.

Among those honoured, Garry stood out as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award, recognising decades of unwavering service to boxing in Tyrone and beyond.

Garry’s boxing journey began as a young competitor with the Omagh Boys and Girls Club.

His promising career in the ring was tragically cut short following the Omagh Bombing in 1998.

In the face of profound personal loss and trauma, Garry chose to channel his passion for boxing into lifelong voluntary service, becoming a cornerstone of the boxing community in Tyrone.

Now head coach at Bishop Kelly Boxing Club, Garry dedicates three to four evenings each week to coaching and mentoring young boxers.

His philosophy has always extended far beyond competition and medals.

Through boxing, he helps young people build resilience, discipline, confidence, and belief in themselves, often supporting those facing personal or social challenges.

In addition to his coaching work, Garry has played a significant leadership role within the sport.

He serves on both the Ulster Boxing Council and the Central Council of Boxing Ireland, to which he was elected in 2024, ensuring Ulster boxing continues to have a strong and trusted voice at national level.

Speaking after receiving the awards, Garry said: "I am truly honoured and deeply grateful to receive this Sport Ireland Tyrone Volunteer Award.

"To be recognised in this way is very humbling, because like so many people involved in boxing, I never got into the sport for awards or recognition - I got into it because boxing means something very special to me.

“Boxing is more than a sport. It’s a discipline, a teacher, and for many young people, a lifeline.

!Seeing young boxers grow in confidence, character, and belief – both inside and outside the ring – is the most rewarding part of being involved in this sport.”

Garry paid tribute to his family for their constant support and acknowledged the influential figures who guided him throughout his journey, including his first mentor Paddy McMahon, as well as respected boxing figures Eugene Duffy and the late Peter O’Donnell.

He also highlighted the commitment of Patsy and Liz O'Hagan and the wider Bishop Kelly Boxing Club community in Eskra.

“This award may have my name on it, but it truly belongs to everyone who believes in what boxing can do for young people and for our communities," he added.

The ceremony also saw the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Tony Davitt, recognising six decades of service to Irish boxing, while Garry Kehoe of Marble City Boxing Club in Kilkenny received his county award for his extensive coaching and administrative contributions.

Garry McGillion’s recognition is a moment of pride for Omagh, Eskra and the entire Tyrone boxing community, celebrating a man whose resilience, dedication and community spirit have changed countless young lives through sport.