CARMEL O’Neill has been declared a Spar Community Mentor in recognition of her work in sharing her time, dedication and talent for the greater good of the Paulstown Boxing Club.
She is a mainstay of the Paulstown family and is one of the driving forces behind the club.
The Spar Honour your Mentor programme, which formed part of its Christmas Community Fund initiative, sees Spar acknowledge and reward 10 local community mentors by awarding them €1,000 for their clubs or community groups.
Each recipient was nominated anonymously by a member of his or her community.
Carmel’s nominator said: “Carmel is the heart of our club. Not alone is she a coach, a mentor and our club secretary but she is our cleaner, our painter, our barista serving refreshments, tending to visitors and making sure coaches, athletes and visitors are looked after.
GOOD HEALTH WITH NURSE CARMEL
“As a retired nurse, Carmel is the mammy of the club offering encouragement, coaching advice and using her nursing background to provide advice and first aid to ensure all are safe, healthy and fit.
“Despite taking a backseat in avoiding the limelight
Carmel can always be found supporting our elites at finals or welcoming our nervous newcomers on their first night.
“Her desire to assist athletes, regardless of their backgrounds, ethnicity, social status, wealth or influence and provide what she believes are opportunities they deserve is why she is an exceedingly worthy recipient or recognition and this award.”
The mentor initiative was launched by Irish Olympian, World Champion boxer, and Spar Ambassador Kellie Harrington to stimulate community spirit and recognise true local heroes.
