Wellington Eye Clinic in General Media

EU middleweight champion Darren O’Neill was one of three Irish boxers to win a bronze medal at the European Senior Boxing Championship this week. And hopes are high that he’ll do even better in the competition, which is currently taking place in Moscow.

The 24 year old, from Paulstown, Kilkenny – who teaches sixth class at Holy Trinity national school, in Donaghmede – recently underwent laser eye surgery at the Wellington Eye Clinic.

“I always wore glasses, but, being a young, active male, having glasses flying off my face was just annoying. I couldn’t wear contact lenses while boxing – a punch to the eye would rub one out. After getting laser, I find I don’t need either glasses or contact lenses,” says Darren, who has been going out with girlfriend, Carol, for four years.

What shape are you in?

Coming up to the European Championship, I was in as good shape as I could be. I was training four nights a week with the Irish high-performance team. Mornings were usually for physical training, evenings were boxing sessions and, at weekends, I was running.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’ve had one or two hand injuries, so I’ll probably end up with arthritis in a few years. I take cod liver oil to combat that.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Breakfast’s a bowl of porridge or Weetabix. For a small break at school, I have fruit or yoghurt. Lunch is scrambled egg, while dinner’s vegetables and meat – non-fatty types of meat.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate – I always allow myself a little every day, even when I’m training.

What would keep you awake at night?

My sleep is generally pretty good, but a bad day at school or at training would keep me awake. Thinking too much about boxing, when I’m coming up to a championship would, too.

How do you relax?

Watching TV with my mates or girlfriend, getting to the cinema once or twice a week, going for a game of hurling with my two younger brothers.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao – the Filipino professional boxer – and someone who has contributed a lot, like Nelson Mandela.

When did you last cry?

At the world championships in Milan, before Christmas. I lost to an Armenian opponent I’d beaten before. I was heartbroken about it. The same boxer went on to win the silver medal – I was gutted.

What would you change about your appearance?

The old broken nose is there, but I don’t mind about that. I don’t mind old scars – they’re there to prove the past really happened. Every now and then, I’d like a bit of weight to disappear. But then nobody’s perfect – so shy should I be?

What’s your favourite smell?

Cut grass – there’s such a feeling of summer about it.

Name the best book you’ve read recently?

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas. I also liked The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown – he’s my favourite author.

What trait do you least like in others?

People who are conceited or who try to put you down. I don’t know if it’s jealousy, but I don’t like that begrudgery. I always say fair play to anyone who does well – good luck to them.

What trait do you least like about yourself?

I’d like to be a bit more driven. Sometimes, when I’m suffering with an injury, I can lose my drive a bit.

Do you pray?

I do, I’ve had a religious upbringing. I try to go to mass as often as I can. My sixth-class pupils just celebrated their confirmation.

What cheers up your day?

Talking to my parents everyday – that little link with home is always good.

Helen O’Callaghan

BOXING CLEVER: Schoolteacher Darren is taking cod liver oil in the hope it will keep injury-related arthritis at bay.

“The old broken nose is there but I don’t mind about that. I don’t mind old scars – they’re there to prove the past really happened.”

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