NEWLY crowned Newport boxer Sean McGoldrick got the red carpet treatment when the Irish Club threw a huge party in recognition of his newgold medal.

Fireworks greeted the 19- year-old from Nash as he arrived from Cardiff with his 2010 Commonwealth Games prize, awarded to him following the disqualification of 56kg competition opponent Manju Wanniarachchi.

Friends and family sung “there’s only one Sean McGoldrick” in honour of the St Joesph’s Boxing Club fighter as he walked into the Pill venue, where a giant cake from Newport’s Gemelli’s Desserts topped with boxing gloves was waiting for him.

Father Liam McGoldrick, 39, said: “It’s a fantastic day: for the family, for his friends, for the boxing club. Nowjustice has been done and Sean has got the gold he deserved.”

Sean’s girlfriend Abby Bidgood, 18, said she was absolutely thrilled: “All his hard work and dedication has paid off.”

Family and friends queued up to commend “quiet man”

Sean for his commitment and his modesty. HismumMary McGoldrick said: “His feet are very much firmly on the ground.”

Family friend Royal Gwent Hospital midwife Kathleen Maguire said: “He got his gold medal but he was magnanimous in receiving his silver.”

During the celebration coaches Tony Borg and Billy Reynolds from St Joesph’s presented him with a painting of the Commonwealth final by artist Patrick Killian.

Mr Reynolds told the crowd he hoped they could return to the Irish Club to celebrate him winning Olympic gold in London.

Sean McGoldrick’s next challenges include the European Elite Men Championships next week, and the world championships which will act as qualifiers for the 2012 Olympics.

The boxer, who hopes to one day turn pro, added: “I would love to get to London for the Olympics next year. It will be the ultimate dream.”

Both Sean’s boxing brothers, Liam, 21, and Tomos, 17, joined their brother for the party, although Sean’s sister Mairead, 22, was sadly unable to return from a trip to America in time.

Just like one of family

THE Irish Club party was a repeat performance for owners Sheila Gill and John Reynolds.

Their venue had welcomed Mr McGoldrick back with a surprise celebration after he returned from the Delhi tournament, with the bunting from October still out to greet the boxer.

The McGoldricks have strong links with the club – mum and dad Mary and Liam have roots in Ireland and both have worked at the club’s bar.

Ms Gill said: “I treat Liam’s children as if they are my own.

“If this was one of my two children, I would treat them the same way.”