Desi has been a great supporter of his grand-daughter throughout her time in kickboxing, frequently running her to training and events around the country. But it looked as though work commitments would prevent him from watching with pride as Abie took part in a non-contact demo in front of gathered dignitaries, politicians and international press.

However, as soon as his bosses at Hylands Fuels heard that the trip was with Billy Murray and a recognition of his work with the ProKick organisation, they immediately okayed everything.

“I’m delighted that Desi can make it,” said Murray. “This is without doubt the biggest thing ProKick has ever been involved with. This programme will, hopefully, turn around lives. We will take all the positive aspects of kickboxing and martial arts – the self-discipline, the respect, the physical and mental fitness – and use them to help kids across Europe who maybe have gotten a little wayward.

"I basically took what we were doing in Belfast – where it has been for all kids, not just those going off the rails - spoke to some colleagues in Europe about applying it in new ways and before I knew it UNICEF were behind it, the UN were behind it and we’re away.”

He added: “I read the guest list of some of those attending – ambassadors from Ireland and the UK, officials from several European nations, representatives from UNESCO – and I couldn’t believe it. It’s going to be incredible and it’s wonderful that Hylands Fuels have given Desi the green light. He has such pride in Abie, and indeed in all his grand-kids who attend the gym, that to miss it would have been terrible.”