Two women from Donegal were amongst 29 graduates of a course held as part of a collaboration between Boxing Ireland and Longford College.

Sadie Duffy (pictured) from Illies Golden Glove Boxing Club, and Susan Pearson from St. John Bosco Boxing Club, collected their Professional Diploma in Leadership and Management today.

The course marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between boxing’s national governing body and a higher learning institute.

As part of the course modules, participants explored strategic management frameworks and leadership styles, identification of gender-related challenges in leadership, navigating organizational structures, active mentorship, networking and promotional strategies.

Lessons learned from the course aim to assist graduates in their sporting, volunteering and professional lives.

Also amongst the graduates who received their diplomas today at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Dublin Airport were Irish Olympians Michaela Walsh and Grainne Walsh.

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 added: “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.”

Two Donegal women graduate in Boxing Ireland Leadership & Management course was last modified: February 7th, 2026 by Staff Writer