He brought along his coveted Lonsdale belt he won during a glittering professional career which included world and European title shots and proved to be a welcome attraction to members of the public visiting the exhibition.

Now a motivational speaker and owner of his own boxing gym in Murcia, Spain, the former Ulster and Irish champion said: “It’s great to be home and to see my sport and its stars being recognised by the city. I have brought seven novice boxers over from Spain because they wanted to experience sparring and training where I grew up.

“This is the best place in the world for boxing, for coaching and development of young fighters and they will get to see that first hand with the likes of Paddy Barnes and Ryan Burnett helping them out while they train at Holy Family.”