Olympic boxing hopeful Winnie receives threats and intimidation

AN OLYMPIC boxing hopeful is unable to go out jogging as part of her training due to threats she has received on the road.

Winnie Christina McDonagh (17), a European gold medal champion and potential Paris 2024 Olympian, has had to drastically change her training regime.

The Echo understands the intimidation stems from anti-social behaviour in recent months.

On Sunday night, a caravan at the McDonagh’s front garden in Clondalkin was set alight and razed to the ground.

The previous day, Christina’s brother Martin was rammed driving into the family driveway, in video footage seen by The Echo.

“I can’t jog on the road, they threatened they would run me off the road,” said Winnie at her Old Castledrive home on Monday.

“I have been intimidated at work, out in the carpark when I was going home. They told me they would damage me, beat me so I can’t box or train proper.”

Gardai and Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene following the blaze.

A Garda spokesperson told The Echo: “Gardai and emergency services attended an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred outside a premises on Oldcastle Drive in Clondalkin, at approximately 11:20pm on Sunday, August 8.

“A vehicle, which was unoccupied at the time, was extensively damaged in the course of this incident. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident. No arrests have yet been made and investigations are ongoing.”

Mary McDonagh, Winnie’s mother, says the family have lived in the estate for 20 years without any issues, until last March, when the anti-social activity kicked off.

“On Sunday night, a garda car was sitting outside all night. It has had an effect on my health, my anxiety and medical issues. I was in Tallaght Hospital last week,” she said.

Mary said her own car and a box-trailer in the driveway were also damaged during seperate incidents prior to the caravan fire.

“You can’t live like this. I’m worried about what’s coming down the line the next two to three weeks,” said the distraught mother of three.

“They are trying to drag Winnie down. She can’t afford to be doing this, she is trying to focus on 2024. I have to consider the safety of my family.”

Winnie, who has won a national boxing title in every year she competed in, went to Spain this week for a boxing tournament and is grateful for the break the trip offers.

“My plans are for the Under-18’s All-Ireland and I’m trying to focus on 2024,” said the southpaw, a member of Neilstown Boxing Club.

“I’m going to do it. I’m not going to let them stop me.”