Arklow sports figure Jim Moore has been named the 2026 Peaceful Hero by the ACE Awards, recognising a lifetime of contribution to young people, boxing and the wider community.
Jim, who passed away in October 2025, was a founding member of Arklow Boxing Club and spent decades coaching and supporting young athletes in the town.
The award organisers said Jim’s contribution to Arklow and Irish boxing had left a lasting legacy, with his influence extending well beyond medals and championships. During his long coaching career, Jim helped young people develop discipline, respect, confidence and resilience through sport.
His involvement in boxing also reached the highest levels of the Irish game. He worked with Ireland’s Youth and Junior High Performance programme and was involved in international championships and the Youth Olympic Games.
Jim was also recognised nationally as ESB Coach of the Year in 2001 and contributed to the development of the next generation of Irish boxing coaches.
His connection with Arklow Boxing Club stretched back around 50 years, having helped establish the club alongside Mick Morgan. Over the years, he served as Head Coach, Club Chairman and County Board Chairman, helping guide generations of local boxers.
His work with Irish boxing also saw him spend seven years working with the country’s High Performance Unit alongside Billy Walsh, Zaur Antia and Gary Keegan.
Jim travelled extensively with Irish teams during his coaching career, bringing back ideas and practices from around Europe which helped contribute to the development of Ireland’s high-performance boxing system.
His family also has a long-standing connection with sport in Arklow. His son James represented Ireland at the World Championships in Belfast, winning a bronze medal before going on to a professional boxing career in New York. His daughter Linda remains involved with Arklow Boxing Club as secretary and coach, while Jim’s sons Owen and James and his late son Paul were also closely associated with Arklow’s sporting community.
The Moore family’s connection with Arklow Town FC was also highlighted following Jim’s death last year, with the club paying tribute to the family’s longstanding involvement and recalling how Jim continued to support his grandchildren at their matches.
Announcing Jim as its 2026 Peaceful Hero, the ACE Awards said his greatest legacy was not measured by medals or championships, but by the people he influenced.
The organisers highlighted the young people he encouraged, families he supported, boxers he believed in and coaches he mentored.
They said Jim demonstrated how sport could bring people together, give young people a sense of belonging and help build stronger communities. The award organisers described him as “a true Arklow legend”, a remarkable coach and a mentor to generations.
Jim’s passing in October last year was described by Arklow Boxing Club as “the end of an era”, with tributes coming from across Arklow’s sporting community.
His recognition as the 2026 Peaceful Hero now adds another honour to a life which was closely intertwined with Arklow sport and the generations of young people he helped along the way.
The ACE Awards Peaceful Hero award is sponsored by BEE Smart Training and Consultancy.
