Paddy Quinn, head coach and co-founder of Mourne All Blacks Amateur Boxing Club, received recognition at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Civic Awards held on Friday at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch.

The awards honoured individuals and groups for their dedication to local communities. Quinn was nominated by local councillor Willie Clarke.

Quinn co-founded the Glasdrumman-based club in 1977 with Patsy Cunningham and Seamus O’Hare. He has coached for over 50 years, dedicating three to four evenings per week to the club.

The club has produced champion boxers including Paul Keys, Matthew Toner, and Quinn’s son Paul, who won seven Ulster titles.

Quinn, aged 74, also received a certificate for long-term service from the Ulster Boxing Council in March last year.

Quinn stated the recognition was welcome after 50 years but emphasised his enjoyment of the work. Councillor Clarke, a former trainee, described Quinn’s impact on over a thousand young people through discipline and support.