Nevin: Leaving school cost me the gold

on 14/09/2012 00:00:00

John Joe took time out of his hectic schedule to visit children at The Downs National School in Mullingar yesterday, where he displayed his now famous Mullingar shuffle.

John Joe said: "I left school early and that was not a good thing, that lost me the gold medal. I think school helps with sport in a big way and I'd just like to offer back my mistake. What cost me the gold medal, I think, was not staying in school."

The boxer revealed he will travel to Germany to see promoters on Tuesday, and will announce if he is to turn professional after a charity bout in Mullingar on Sept 29.

The Olympic silver medallist joined forces with One Direction's Niall Horan and Boyzone's Keith Duffy to raise money for charity in Co Westmeath.

Timed to coincide with Horan's 19th birthday, the celebrities attended events in aid of Irish Autism Action (IAA) and TEAM (Temporary Emergency Accommodation Mullingar).

The three stars began with a visit to Saplings, a school for autistic children in Mullingar, where IAA presented two new ipads.

Principal Ursula Smyth said: "It was absolutely fantastic. The children were delighted to see Niall Horan, Keith Duffy and John Joe Nevin. I suppose I would have to say that some of the staff were even more delighted."

The celebrities then took part in a golf classic at Mullingar GC before attending a gala diner at the Mullingar Park Hotel last night.

IAA patron Keith Duffy praised Horan.

"It's tough times, but it's very easy when somebody like Niall Horan comes out and decides to do a golf day for your charity."

Keith, who admitted Niall had once caddied for him, said: "To give up his birthday of all days to work for people less fortunate than himself... is marvellous."

Niall said he had no hesitation in getting involved when asked by Keith and he joked about his golfing skills: "It took me four shots to get out of the bunker, I'll leave it at that."