Travellers’ Voice magazine was delighted to sit down with a young champion whose remarkable sports and school achievements have captivated his community. At just 12 years old, Jack Ward is already a two-time All-Ireland boxing champion and an outstanding student, seamlessly balancing his academic success with his rising boxing career. Proud of his Traveller heritage and committed to his family’s traditions, Jack’s story is one of dedication, identity, and the drive to succeed. Jack tells us about his journey, his love for boxing, and the importance of staying true to his roots in this exclusive interview.
By Maighread Ni Mhaonghail
At just 12 years old, Jack Ward has already claimed his second All-Ireland boxing title and is fast becoming a name to watch. But what sets Jack apart is his dedication to sport, his unwavering pride in his heritage, and his commitment to excelling in school.
“It’s all about working hard,” Jack says with a smile that mixes boyish innocence with a steel determination that has already carried him to the pinnacle of youth boxing in Ireland. “I love boxing, but school is just as important to me. I want to be the best in everything I do.”
A Rising Star in Boxing
Jack’s journey in boxing started young—just like many great champions before him. Training out of Edenmore Boxing Club, he has become a standout talent, recently winning his second All-Ireland championship in 2023. Jack’s day starts early, with school in the morning and rigorous training sessions three times a week. “I’ve been training three days a week, but now I’m stepping it up to five,” he explains, eyes gleaming excited about the future.
Jack’s answer is simple when asked how he balances it all: “Discipline. It’s about showing up, whether you feel like it or not. That’s what my coaches at Edenmore BC always tell me, and I’ve learned to stick by it.” He’s already showing the grit of a future professional athlete, and his coach is optimistic about the young fighter.
“He’s got something special,” says Jack’s mum, Sharon. “It’s not just about raw talent; Jack has the mindset. He works incredibly hard, and his dedication is second to none.”
Achieving Beyond the Ring
Jack remains humble and deeply committed to his education despite his growing success in boxing. An outstanding student, Jack has earned “Student of the Week” honours on several occasions, and he has been praised for his excellent behaviour and helpfulness to others. “It feels good to set a good example,” Jack admits. “Especially for the younger kids. I want them to see you can do well in sport and school—you don’t have to pick one.”
His teachers speak highly of his abilities, particularly in mathematics, where Jack’s talents truly shine. “Numbers just make sense to me,” he says. “I love solving problems and always try to help my classmates when they’re stuck.” His ability to understand complex concepts and a genuine passion for learning set him apart.
Yet, Jack’s success doesn’t come at the cost of his identity. He proudly embraces his Traveller heritage, a source of pride influencing everything he does. “My mother always tells me to teach the other kids who we Travellers are,” Jack says, beaming. “I’ve never hidden who I am, and I think that’s important.”
A Legacy of Family and Tradition
Outside of school and boxing, Jack’s life revolves around family, tradition, and—fittingly—horses. His family, proud Travellers, have passed down a love of horses through generations, and Jack is no exception. “I’ve been around horses my whole life,” he says proudly. “I help my dad take care of them. I clean the stables, wash them, and ensure they’re groomed. It’s our way of life.”
His responsibilities at home extend beyond the boxing ring. Jack draws strength from his family’s traditions, which keeps him grounded despite his ever-growing list of accomplishments. “The horses, the stories by the fire, being with my family in Belcamp—it all means a lot to me,” Jack explains. “It’s who I am.”
Jack’s love for storytelling, another gift handed down from his family, shines through. “We all sit around the fire, listening to stories from my grandad and dad. It’s a big part of our family. I love hearing the old tales and even sharing my own.”
The Road Ahead
For now, Jack’s sights are firmly set on the future. As he prepares to increase his training to five days a week, he also prioritises his schoolwork. “It’s about balance,” he says, with wisdom well beyond his years. “I want to keep getting better at boxing, but school matters too. I want to make sure I do well in both.”
Jack’s story is not just about winning championships or excelling in academics; it’s about staying true to himself. At 12 years old, he’s already achieved more than many do in a lifetime, and yet he’s still grounded in the values of family, tradition, and hard work. His journey is just beginning, but it’s clear that Jack Ward is destined for greatness—in and out of the ring.
“I want to make my family proud,” Jack says quietly, “and I want to show that you can be a champion no matter where you come from.”
As his career unfolds, one thing is sure: Jack Ward is a name we will hear more of in the future.
