Boxer’s family avoid conviction over collection

Olympian John Joe Nevin’s wife and cousin will not be convicted for carrying out an illegal collection to raise money to send the Nevin family to the Olympics.

Mullingar District Court heard the two women had “jumped the gun” by carrying out the collection, even though the permit had been refused.

They had €61 in cash and a card pledging €195.20, at Newtown Lawns, Mullingar, on Apr 20 last.

Solicitor Robert Marren said the boxer’s wife, Marie Nevin, of Ardleigh Vale, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, and cousin Mary Nevin of Grange Meadows, did not know there wasn’t a permit.

Judge Seamus Hughes opted to leave the women without a criminal conviction once he became satisfied that the collection was “half-legal” rather than bogus.

He heard evidence from Brian McKeown, secretary and one of the founders of Cavan Amateur Boxing Club, whose banner was on the collection cards.

Mr McKeown told the court he had written up the text for the sponsorship card to be used when a permit was granted. However, the application was refused.

He said the women had “jumped the gun” in collecting money when the permit wasn’t in place and outlined a complex series of events which occurred over a period of time, as first the club, then John Joe himself, and then the club again, tried unsuccessfully to procure a permit.

The card asked people to support the fundraiser to bring John Joe’s wife, child and parents to the Games in London, pointing out that the boxer had most of his successes 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.

In court, Mr McKeown praised the boxer, saying John Joe started with him 13 years ago as a shy 13-year-old, but had gone on to be a fine ambassador for the country.

Satisfied with his evidence, Judge Hughes said he would leave the two women without a conviction, but asked that they bring €250 cash to court by Mar 21.

He said he will donate that money to the boxing club, and pointed out that the entire country is proud of John Joe Nevin and what he and his boxing colleagues have achieved.

He also praised the encouragement John Joe has given young people.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr McKeown said it was the first time in its 32 years that the boxing club had ever been involved in a court case, other than in support of a young person.

He said he was grateful to Judge Hughes for the way he dealt with the case.

Picture: John Joe Nevin: His wife and cousin will not be convicted for carrying out an illegal collection to raise money to send the Nevin family to the London Olympics