'Over the moon' - Champion McKenna honoured at homecoming

World Middleweight Champion Aaron McKenna and his younger brother Stevie were celebrated in their hometown of Monaghan on Thursday evening, marking a triumphant return after both secured victories in Dublin the previous weekend. The brothers, hailing from the village of Smithborough, drew a large crowd to a reception in Monaghan town, where they were honored for their accomplishments in boxing. Their recent successes have sparked widespread admiration across the region, particularly given their long-standing commitment to the sport. On Saturday night, Aaron, 27, captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) world middleweight title by defeating Italian Etinosa Oliha via unanimous decision at the 3Arena in Dublin. This marked his first professional fight held on Irish soil, elevating his undefeated record to 22-0. His victory came after nearly four decades of combined experience in the ring, with most of their fights previously taking place in the United States. Meanwhile, Stevie, 29, delivered a decisive performance of his own, stopping Owen O'Neill in the first round during his bout at the same venue. Both fighters expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming public support they received following their victories. Aaron described the turnout at the homecoming event as “absolutely over the moon,” emphasizing how meaningful it was to see such a strong showing from the community. He reflected on the challenges he faced over the past two decades in pursuing a career in boxing, stating that the support he has received has made the journey worthwhile. “This makes it all worthwhile, seeing everyone turn up here,” he said. “I’m just so grateful and appreciate all the support that I’m getting.” Stevie echoed similar sentiments, calling the atmosphere at the 3Arena on Saturday “incredible” and noting that it was filled with fans from Monaghan. He highlighted the presence of many young children in attendance, expressing hope that their success might serve as inspiration for the next generation of athletes. “We want to inspire the next generation coming through, because we were once those children,” he remarked. The brothers, who train under their father Fergal, relocated to the United States during their teenage years in pursuit of professional boxing careers. Their journey has been marked by perseverance, and both have now reached new heights in their respective careers. Aaron, who recently achieved his lifelong goal of winning a world title, expressed excitement about the future, indicating plans to host several high-profile bouts in Ireland. “I now plan to give these Monaghan people a big show, you know, 2-3 in Ireland,” he said. Local officials have praised the brothers for bringing immense pride to the county. Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Councillor Aidan Campbell, commended their dedication and achievements on the global stage. He emphasized the significance of their success being rooted in local communities, particularly highlighting the connection to Castleblayney through their mother’s heritage. “Their dedication, determination and achievements on the international stage have inspired people throughout our county and beyond,” he stated. “We are especially proud that this success story has strong roots in communities across Monaghan.” As the brothers continue to build upon their recent triumphs, the local community remains eager to witness further milestones in their careers. With a strong foundation in their home county and growing recognition nationwide, the McKenna siblings are poised to make even greater impacts in the world of boxing. Their upcoming plans include hosting major events in Ireland, which could further solidify their status as champions not only in the ring but also within their community.