Menu
13/11/2019
Boxing Stars Launch Fitness Scheme At NI Prison
Three successful boxers from Northern Ireland have united to launch a workout programme to improve student physical and mental health in Hydebank Wood College.
Paddy Barnes, Marc McCullough and Carly McNaul launched the six-week, non-contact programme for young men and women prisoners this week at Hydebank, a correctional facility for offenders aged between 18-21 and home to Northern Ireland's only female prison.
The scheme incorporates a range of structured workouts for all fitness types, including pad-work, stance, footwork, and other boxing techniques, with professional advice on diet and nutrition, mindfulness and mental health.
The sessions will be hosted by the Ulster Boxing Council and Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA), in partnership with the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Director of Prisons at Hydebank Austin Treacy discussed the merits of boxing as a form of physical exercise: "This new programme with the Ulster and Irish Boxing bodies will be fast and fun and help us support the young men and women in our care.
"In addition to building physical strength, boxing can help to make you feel more powerful mentally and give you the fighting spirit to deal with any of life's more challenging situations. Boxing can also instil a sense of achievement which builds confidence and self-esteem."
Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal winning boxer Paddy Barnes said: "Boxing has kept me on the straight and narrow. It's my life and has helped me greatly and made me the person I am today. I've made friends all around the world through boxing. Without boxing God knows where I would have ended up."
Ulster, Ireland and Commonwealth champion boxer and Olympic hopeful Carly McNaul was also keen to discuss the impact of boxing on her life. She said: "Going to a boxing club gave me something to focus on, a place to go to get away from bad choices in life and the wrong crowds. Now, 15 years later, I'm hoping to go to the Olympic Games."
Charlie Toland, Ulster Boxing Council, added: "If we can become a channel where young people walk through the door and not want to offend or take drugs, then ultimately this is what we hope to achieve."
Paddy Barnes discussed the boxing work-out programme in further detail in the video below:
(JG/CM)
Paddy Barnes, Marc McCullough and Carly McNaul launched the six-week, non-contact programme for young men and women prisoners this week at Hydebank, a correctional facility for offenders aged between 18-21 and home to Northern Ireland's only female prison.
The scheme incorporates a range of structured workouts for all fitness types, including pad-work, stance, footwork, and other boxing techniques, with professional advice on diet and nutrition, mindfulness and mental health.
The sessions will be hosted by the Ulster Boxing Council and Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA), in partnership with the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Director of Prisons at Hydebank Austin Treacy discussed the merits of boxing as a form of physical exercise: "This new programme with the Ulster and Irish Boxing bodies will be fast and fun and help us support the young men and women in our care.
"In addition to building physical strength, boxing can help to make you feel more powerful mentally and give you the fighting spirit to deal with any of life's more challenging situations. Boxing can also instil a sense of achievement which builds confidence and self-esteem."
Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal winning boxer Paddy Barnes said: "Boxing has kept me on the straight and narrow. It's my life and has helped me greatly and made me the person I am today. I've made friends all around the world through boxing. Without boxing God knows where I would have ended up."
Ulster, Ireland and Commonwealth champion boxer and Olympic hopeful Carly McNaul was also keen to discuss the impact of boxing on her life. She said: "Going to a boxing club gave me something to focus on, a place to go to get away from bad choices in life and the wrong crowds. Now, 15 years later, I'm hoping to go to the Olympic Games."
Charlie Toland, Ulster Boxing Council, added: "If we can become a channel where young people walk through the door and not want to offend or take drugs, then ultimately this is what we hope to achieve."
Paddy Barnes discussed the boxing work-out programme in further detail in the video below:
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2022
New Belfast Boxing Strategy 'Major Success For The City'
A new Belfast Boxing Strategy has been welcomed as a "major success for the city" by Lord Mayor Christina Black as she welcomed boxing coaches from nations across the Commonwealth to City Hall. The 22nd Commonwealth Games take place in Birmingham this month, and the coaches along with their fighters were in the city for a pre games training camp.
New Belfast Boxing Strategy 'Major Success For The City'
A new Belfast Boxing Strategy has been welcomed as a "major success for the city" by Lord Mayor Christina Black as she welcomed boxing coaches from nations across the Commonwealth to City Hall. The 22nd Commonwealth Games take place in Birmingham this month, and the coaches along with their fighters were in the city for a pre games training camp.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
