Popular boxing legend Barry McGuigan has just received a knockout welcome from pupils at two Fermanagh primary schools.

Back on home territory, Barry caught up with the young people during a visit to Jones Memorial P.S. in Enniskillen yesterday afternoon, Thursday, to present equipment as part of the Happy Hearts Programme.

Helping the youngsters get ‘fighting fit,’ the former World Champion met up with delighted children from participating schools, Jones Memorial and St. Patrick’s Mullanaskea.

The Happy Hearts Programme was delivered by the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy (BMBA) and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure as part of the legacy from the Carl Frampton Titanic Showdown in September last year.

The programme is designed to teach and enthuse primary-age children about health, nutrition and exercise, giving them the practical skills to live healthier lifestyles. “I am delighted that Barry McGuigan has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit the schools personally and deliver the equipment,” acknowledged Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, who added: “This shared health education programme, provided to year four children from schools throughout the north of Ireland, aimed to educate the school kids on the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle and the importance of being active.” Barry McGuigan, who engaged in a question and answer session with the Enniskillen pupils, feels “it’s great to see so many enthusiastic children taking part in a fun interactive activity programme that also educates them about living a healthy lifestyle.” See Thursday’s Impartial Reporter for photographs and a report.