Pat Benson Boxing Academy Unit 2, 50 Adderley Street Birmingham B9 4ED http://www.patbensonboxingacademy.co.uk/

Sean McDermotts suffered a devastating loss in 2013 with the sudden and untimely passing of our Senior Manager and friend Coley Folan (RIP). Coley had always been heavily involved with Sean McDermotts club; he was a member of the 1997-2003 seven in a row Senior Football Championship winning team and won numerous Senior hurling titles to add to his collection of silver wear. Coley was a true Gael; upon hanging up his boots he became involved in Sean McDermott’s underage structure, mentoring our younger players. At the time of his passing he was manager of the u16 team which his son Cianan played in; he had mentored this team from under 10 all the way through. He was also highly regarded Senior Manager, having been involved with many of the current Senior players through the youth set up.

As well as being an excellent footballer, Coley’s son Cianan is also a very talented boxer. Coley had always enjoyed boxing; he was a great supporter of Pat Benson’s Boxing Academy where Cianan is a member; he regularly drove the mini bus transporting young boxers to various competitions up and down the country. Coley was instrumental in forging the strong bond that now exists between Sean McDermotts club and Pat Benson’s Boxing Academy.

As well as being an excellent footballer, Coley’s son Cianan is also a very talented boxer.  Coley had always enjoyed boxing; he was a great supporter of Pat Benson’s Boxing Academy where Cianan is a member; he regularly drove the mini bus transporting young boxers to various competitions up and down the country.  Coley was instrumental in forging the strong bond that now exists between Sean McDermotts club and Pat Benson’s Boxing Academy.

Sean McDermotts would like to thank Pat Benson and his coaching staff who have welcomed our Senior and Junior players into their gym for fitness training; this initiative was started by Coley as Senior Manager and has continued to this day. 

Coley brought enthusiasm and passion to the game, as well as huge knowledge and understanding. Coley had the skill of also being very serious and focused when it mattered on the field of the play. 

Coley was incredibly generous with his time to Sean McDermotts and Pat Bensons Boxing Academy; he was an excellent role model to young and old. He had a fantastic sense of fun; you could be sure of plenty of craic when Coley was around.  

Coley’s legacy will live on within Sean McDermott’s Club and Pat Benson’s Boxing Academy for many, many years to come.