RTÉ branded a disgrace for failing to cover Shannon's Westport homecoming

A WESTPORT councillor has branded RTÉ a 'downright disgrace' for failing to cover the homecoming ceremony of European boxing champion Shannon Sweeney.

Hundreds of people turned out at the Octagon in Westport on Monday evening to welcome home local hero Shannon Sweeney who won the gold medal at the elite European Boxing Championships in Belgrade last weekend.

Members of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District all congratulated Shannon on her fantastic and unique achievement but local councillors criticised RTÉ for failing to mark the occasion.

Fianna Fáil councillor Brendan Mulroy raised RTÉ's absence at the monthly meeting of the municipal district where he said the national broadcaster had failed miserably in recognising Shannon's achievements.

“It is regrettable and disgraceful that RTÉ were not there to welcome her home and Aoife O'Rouke [fellow gold medalist from Co Roscommon] home. Two double gold medalists and ladies from the west of Ireland. When Dublin athletes were involved RTÉ were there all the time, be it men's or women's sport,” he said.

Large crowds attended the homecoming of European boxing champion Shannon Sweeney to Westport

Cllr Mulroy said that he understands why people would not pay their television licence and would be happy to see it disbanded.

“We would always hear to hell or to Connacht but I am afraid that terminology is still in Montrose. When people call for the disbandment of RTÉ I fully support that call because they are a disgrace. The Director General of RTÉ should take this one on the chin because if that is the way he is going to treat people it is a disgrace.

“I don't want to tar the accomplishments of Shannon or Aoife O'Rouke but it is important to say that RTÉ have failed miserably in their coverage of the people of the west of Ireland and also failed miserably to recognise what Shannon Sweeney did in winning,” he said.

He was supported by his fellow councillors who also pointed out that RTÉ cameras were in Murrisk to cover the completion of the Croagh Patrick pilgrim's path. Cllr Peter Flynn said he could not understand why they did not travel ten minutes up the road to capture Shannon's homecoming.

“There is no better podium or location at the Octagon to highlight the achievements of an international athlete and for RTE not to opt to drive ten minutes is scandalous,” said Cllr Flynn.

Fellow Westport councillors Christy Hyland and John O'Malley also congratulated Shannon on winning the gold medal and described her as a role model for people in Westport and the county.

Tributes were also paid to Peter Mullen and Martin Brennan of St Anne's Boxing Club in Westport who coached Shannon when she was a young boxer.

Cllr Gerry Coyle said that what Shannon has done is phenomenal and praised all the volunteers in the club and said they deserve 'any good that comes their way'.