SLIDESHOW: Olympics-bound Steven given perfect send-off

It was another memorable night for Steven Donnelly on Friday night as he continued his countdown to the Olympic Games.
Steven Donnelly with All Saints officials Malachy McKenran, Matt Hamill, Barry Gordon and Tony McAvoy at Friday nights Fight Night which raised funds for Steven's Olympics trip to Brazil. INBT 22-194CSSteven Donnelly with All Saints officials Malachy McKenran, Matt Hamill, Barry Gordon and Tony McAvoy at Friday nights Fight Night which raised funds for Steven's Olympics trip to Brazil. INBT 22-194CS
Steven Donnelly with All Saints officials Malachy McKenran, Matt Hamill, Barry Gordon and Tony McAvoy at Friday nights Fight Night which raised funds for Steven's Olympics trip to Brazil. INBT 22-194CS

The Ballymena boxer was the special guest at a fight night hosted by his club, All Saints, in the Adair Arms Hotel.

The event served as a fund-raiser for Steven - the club’s first Olympic representative - as he continued his preparations for this summer’s games in Rio.

And he was given a rapturous ovation by members of the club where he has boxed since he was a boy.

Steven Donnelly with All Saints officials Malachy McKenran, Matt Hamill, Barry Gordon and Tony McAvoy at Friday nights Fight Night which raised funds for Steven's Olympics trip to Brazil. INBT 22-194CSSteven Donnelly with All Saints officials Malachy McKenran, Matt Hamill, Barry Gordon and Tony McAvoy at Friday nights Fight Night which raised funds for Steven's Olympics trip to Brazil. INBT 22-194CS
Steven Donnelly with All Saints officials Malachy McKenran, Matt Hamill, Barry Gordon and Tony McAvoy at Friday nights Fight Night which raised funds for Steven's Olympics trip to Brazil. INBT 22-194CS

It was through the tutelage of the Cushendall Road club that Donnelly learned his skills in the ring, during a glittering amateur career which saw him land multiple Ulster titles and an Irish title, before going on to claim a bronze medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Now, having honed his skills on the international stage still further by taking part in the World Series of Boxing, Donnelly is gearing up for a crack at the biggest sporting show on earth.

One thing is sure - on the evidence of Friday night’s event, he won’t be short of support in his home town.