Sponsor boost for Steven's Commonwealth dream

The Ballymena boxer has secured financial backing from a number of local businesses which will enable him to travel to coaching sessions in Belfast and Dublin, to ensure that he will be in top condition for the Games in India next month.

Among the firms who have provided sponsorship are K&G McAtamney, Greenvale Street; Electronic Entertainment Exchange, Greenvale Street; Hardy Brothers, Ahoghill; and Alltech Recycling, Cloughmills, while other sponsors are also expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

"Steven's not working and he's having to get up and down to Dublin and Belfast in order to train with the Irish Elite squad," Donnelly's All Saints club coach Gerry Hamill told Times Sport.

"Steven has represented Ireland on a number of occasions and has performed well but unfortunately the competitions in which he has represented Ireland don't meet the criteria to attract central funding.

"The ironic thing is that there are other boxers on the Northern Ireland team for the Commonwealths who receive funding of maybe 40,000 Euro by being part of the Irish Elite squad.

"It doesn't seem like an even playing field particualrly because, in my opinion, Steven Donnelly represents one of Northern Ireland's best opportunities for a medal in Delhi.

"Sponsorship and financial backing is vital in any sport and Steven is very grateful to the businesses who have shown their belief in him.

"At the minute he's down in Dublin from Tuesday through to Friday and then he's back home over the weekend.

"On a Monday he comes into our gym but he's not doing anything too intensive - just a bit of bag work and work with the pads.

"At this stage it's all about Steven and the other boxers selected trying to make sure they're in peak condition for the Commonwealths.

"They have had a tough year because they have already had to reach a peak for the Ulster Senior finals, after which, in my opinion, the team should have been selected.

"But the hierarchy decided to use the box-offs in July to select the team and Steven was given a clear indication that if he and others didn't take part in them, they would not be considered for selection so once again the boxers had to time their preparations in order to hit their peak for the box-offs," added Gerry.

* Meanwhile, All Saints Boxing Club begins a new season at the Cushendall Road clubrooms this Wednesday evening, September 8.

All existing boxers are welcome back, while a limited number of places are available for newcomers to the sport.