
Pupils at St Mary’s CE Primary Academy in Hunslet had a great time when Padraic McDonagh, previously two times British Thai Boxing Champion and world Bronze medallist, came into school to speak, launching a new programme at the school called Inspiring Young Lives.
Padraic, who owns local boxing club Golden Team, brought both male and female boxers from his gym of all ages. They demonstrated boxing and Thai boxing and they spoke about their journeys and the difference that finding their passion and working at it has made to their lives. Padraic said:
“It’s not where you come from, it’s where you are going. Whatever you want to do, you have to have self-belief and will and you can get there.”
Acer in Year 6, said:
“It was really good. When Koby was hitting the pads, I could see myself in the future doing that. I liked that one of the boys had started when he was three and now he’s 11 and he was really good!”
Mia in Year 5 said:
“I liked when the girl was sparring with Padraic, I thought it was like girl power. You need to have hope in yourself.”
Other pupils said “It inspired me to keep following my dream”, “From now on I aspire to try new things.” And “I want to do my best and spread kindness like the Golden Team. They were really nice.”

Headteacher Elizabeth McDonagh said:
“It was brilliant to have Padraic and his team in school today. Padraic was in my Reception Class when I first began teaching! It was lovely to hear him and his team talk about how they came from council estates and have managed to carve out a professional career for themselves with the support of others, hard work and determination.
“This is just the start for us – Inspiring Young Lives will allow some parents and children from our school go to the gym together on a special programme aimed at improving their physical fitness, mental health and confidence. We can’t wait.”
This post is based on a press release issued by St Mary’s CE Primary Academy
Main phot: Headteacher Elizabeth McDonagh with the Golden Team
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