Louth County Council conferred a Civic Honour on boxer Amy Broadhurst last night to mark her achievement in winning the 2022 IBA World Light-welterweight championship.
Councillors voted in favour of confer the honour on Ms. Broadhurst at a special one-item meeting in County Hall Dundalk.
Amy and members of her family were present in the public gallery to witness the meeting and was thrilled to have the opportunity to formally respond.
She recalled previously being given a civic award from Dundalk Town Council in 2013 and said she was honoured to bring some positive news to Muirhevna Mor and bring a buzz to the area.
All parties then adjourned to the foyer of County Hall for a civic reception where guests included members of Clann Naofa, Dealgan, and O Hanlon Park Boxing Clubs, Dundalk where Amy grew and honed her talent as well as Rostrevor Boxing Club of which she is currently a member.
Representatives from St Joseph’s NS, and Coláiste Rís, where Amy went to school were there to honour their past pupil, along with representatives from Alt na Daoine, Muirhevnamor, the Community Garda Section, Dundalk Garda Station, AURA Dundalk and Dundalk Football Club, all of whom Amy would have strong links with growing up.
A sealed scroll marking the conferring of the civic honour presented to Amy Broadhurst by the Cathaoirleach Pio Smith was read out on the night – it reads:
‘Amy Broadhurst, it has been resolved that a Civic Honour is to be conferred on you, in recognition of your devotion to the pursuit of excellence in the sport of boxing and your phenomenal achievement in becoming world champion. Your achievements to date bring honour and acclaim on yourself, your hometown of Dundalk, and on the County of Louth.
Boxing from the tender age of 5, the dedication and discipline you demonstrated over the last two decades saw you consistently on the winners’ podium year after year.
Not content with winning 19 National titles, you took home the Gold at the European Under 16 championships in both 2012 and 2013; you then won Silver at the European Under 18 championship in 2014, taking home the Under 18 Gold in 2015; you then won the European Under 22 Championships not once but twice in 2018 and 2019, while also winning the English Elite Gold in 2018; in 2019 you won both the Irish Elite Gold and a European Bronze Women’s medal, and then successfully defended your Irish Elite Gold title in 2020 and 2021.
You also qualified for the World Quarter Finals on 2 separate occasions. These hard-fought titles would be accolade enough, but your determination, perseverance and talent ultimately saw you crowned World Light Welterweight Champions on the 19th of May 2022.
As only the third Irish Woman ever to win a world boxing title, you have not only proven yourself as best in the world at your chosen sport but your excellence in a historically male dominated sport has set an example to young girls showing them that there is no area that women cannot excel at given talent, time, and dedication. You have paved the way for future generations of girls to know that there is a place for them if they want it in whatever discipline they choose.
It is fitting that this Council honours your achievements and excellence both in your world title and in your contribution to gender equality.’
World Champion Amy Broadhurst receives the Civic Award from Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Pio Smith last night with her parents Sheila and Tony. Photo: Paul Connor.
Speaking at the event Joe McGuinness, Director of Services for Louth County Council, told Ms. Broadhurst, “Amy, you have done yourself, your family, your community, all of Louth, and indeed all or Ireland proud. You’ve truly put this wee county on the map.” – a sentiment which was echoed throughout the night by all speakers.
MC Pat O’Shaughnessy interviewed Amy on her boxing career to date. Amy said that people used to say to her “you’re going to be the next Katie Taylor” and it was amazing to think that somebody out there might be saying to young girls that they are going to be the next Amy Broadhurst.
The championship match was played for all present throughout the night on a big screen which was specially erected for the event.
