Olympian’s family accused of illegal collection
At Mullingar District Court, Judge Seamus Hughes asked that Brian McKeown of Cavan Amateur Boxing Club come before him to “clear the air” after Mr Nevin’s wife and cousin were summonsed for holding an illegal collection.
The sponsorship card given to Judge Hughes carries the London 2012 logo and the Cavan Amateur Boxing Club banner.
It said the money was to assist John Joe’s parents, Martin and Winnie, and his wife Marie and son Martin to go to London.
Mary Nevin, of Grange Meadows, and Marie Nevin, of Ardleigh Vale, Mullingar, admitted collecting money, using sponsorship cards they say they were given by the club.
They were stopped at Newtown Lawns in Mullingar in April this year following a report to gardaí by a member of the public. They had €61 in cash and a card pledging €195.20.
Robert Marren, defending, said the women did not produce the cards and did not know there was no permit or that they needed one.
However, Insp Jarlath Folan said gardaí spoke to the club coach and secretary, Mr McKeown, who told them he did not give permission for any collection without a permit.
A subsequent permit application was turned down, the court heard.
The back of the card contains a long message, stating that Cavan Amateur Boxing Club is very proud of John Joe Nevin, and that most of his major wins have occurred abroad, “away from family, friends, and fans”.
“London is an ideal opportunity for his parents and his wife and child to share a very special occasion with him. However, accommodation over the Olympic period is very expensive and way above their means,” the message continued.
“The Cavan Boxing Club would like to call on all sports fans to show their support for an exceptional boxer by assisting his family attend this very special occasion.”
The message ended with a mobile phone number and invitation to contact club secretary Mr McKeown at any time regarding the collection.
Judge Hughes said the women are in serious trouble if Mr McKeown swears the club had nothing to do with the collection.
He said he assumed the club would ensure the permit was in order before asking innocent family members to go out door to door.
Adjourning the case to February for Mr McKeown to appear, he said the people whose names appeared on the card were entitled to keep their characters intact.
