Mayo Cathaoirleach ‘moved’ by son’s nomination of father for sport award

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council described the nomination of a Claremorris kick-boxing coach by his son for volunteer of the year as one of most moving nominations he read.

Crossmolina-based Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Loftus congratulated Phelim Halligan of the Claremorris Ultimate Kickboxing Club on being the Mayo recipient of the Federation of Irish Sport Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Speaking at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, Cllr Loftus, who is also the Chairman of Mayo Sports Partnership said that Mr Halligan was nominated by his son and he was really moved by what he read.

“I want to thank his son for nominating his dad because it was one of the most moving nominations I have ever read. It really touched my heart in relation to his nomination,” Cllr Loftus said.

Mr Halligan’s son praised his father for doing so much to keep the club alive and for helping its members inside and outside the club. The citation was read to the councillors at the meeting and is as follows.

“I’m nominating my dad, Phelim Halligan because I see every day all the work he puts in to keep our club open. I see what other people don’t see. He coaches in our club every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. But every day he is always answering phone calls or emails to do with the club.

“Thanks to Dad, our club is so much more than just a kickboxing club. It is a place where everyone is made to feel welcome even if you don’t want to compete. He concentrates so much on good mental health and overall well-being. We have some members who have autism, my dad is an ambassador for Fighting for Autism. He always says labels are for jam jars, and that we are all the same when we are training together.

“So many times I’ve seen Dad talking to students after training and helping them with something that is happening in their life. Dad is a cycle against-suicide community buddy and has helped so many people and possibly saved lives. This makes me feel so proud, I have a dad who goes out of his way for so many people. He does so much and he never complains. Well, he does complain about all the driving. He is the only one who brings everyone to tournaments. My dad hates driving, I’d say he hates driving more than I hate doing homework. This year he drove over 6,000km bringing us to tournaments in Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, and Derry plus we have tournaments in Belfast so often.

“When I ask him why he keeps doing it he always answers, ‘Because there’s no one else stupid enough to do it’. I could write a book on all my dad does for our club and our committee, but I hate typing as much as my dad hates driving. I’d just like my dad to know that we do appreciate him for all he does and there would be no kickboxing club in town without him,” his son wrote.

Claremorris-based councillor Richard Finn told the meeting he knows Phelim Halligan and he is a worthy recipient of the award.

“He has brought many world championships to Claremorris and we want to wish him the very best. He is a worthy recipient of any award in relation to his sporting achievements,” he said.

Erris based councillor and boxing coach, Cllr Gerry Coyle said he has known Phelim Halligan since he was young and what was read out is a true reflection of the man he knows.

The meeting heard that the Volunteers in Sport Awards ceremony will be celebrated on Thursday, February 29 in Dublin.