Kilkenny boxing legend celebrates milestone birthday

Jimmy Walsh is a gem of a man renowned for his rich knowledge of boxing and talent as a coach.
He has trained generations of youngsters and is an integral part of Callan Boxing Club.
One of his best known protégé's is Claire Grace - who competed at the World Championships at 2014. The pair still enjoy a great friendship and the athlete was in Langtons last Wednesday to wish him well on his birthday.
Olympic boxer, Kenneth Egan was also in attendance and spoke later that evening at a Suicide Awareness Gathering where he publicly acknowleged and paid tribute to Jimmy's huge contribution to the world of boxing.
Deputy John McGuinness described him as ‘ a man close to all our hearts’.
“He has done so much for sport generally and in particular boxing. He is never short in time to give people support and encouragement and I want to acknowledge his contribution. He is a legend,” he said.
Jimmy Walsh thanked those present for their good wishes and recounted the night that Kenneth Egan had visited Callan after his Olympic win.
“There was a young girl in the club and around that time she got serious about boxing. The greatest thing that happened in boxing was Claire Grace,” he said and wished her well on her upcoming move to the UK to study radiography.
Jimmy still goes to Callan Boxing Club every evening where he offers support and guidance. He praised the work of John Hickey at the club.
“We have a great man in John Hickey - without him there would be no club,” he added.