President Of Ireland in historic visit

President Mary McAleese paid tribute to the passion of young kickboxers during her historic trip to the ProKick gym in Belfast on February 11.

The Belmont Road area of the city, not far from the docks, was brought to a standstill as the President's calvacade swept into visit the ProKick.

She was there to honour the gym’s founder Billy Murray and the many members to have passed through its doors. She became to first Irish premier to ever visit a kickboxing gym.

"It’s a tremendous credit to the passion of everyone here that this place can rise up and do so much good," she said. "It’s great to see so many young people so committed to the sport and having such a wonderful time."

President McAleese and her husband Dr Martin McAleese watched a display by young kickboxers, all under-12, before greeting some of ProKick's many members – including youngest member five-year-old Jordan Millar.

"It’s a wonderful honour to have the President of Ireland visit our humble little gym," said Billy Murray. "No Irish President has ever visited any kickboxing gym before.
"It’s a testament to the growth of kickboxing in Belfast and beyond that she came here today. It’s a recognition and a wonderful stamp of approval," added Murray, a former professional world champion who has been involved in kickboxing in Ireland for more than 25 years.

Since ProKick was established 11 years ago it has coached an incredible 5,000 kickboxing enthusiasts, amongst them current World professional featherweight champion Gary Hamilton. Hamilton was at the gym to greet President McAleese.

'A special thanks to Mr Dennis Moloney, in helping make this event possible'.