A NEWPORT pub celebrated the homecoming of bronze Commonwealth Games boxing medallists Sean McGoldrick and Joe Cordina with a surprise party on Tuesday night.

The Pitcton Arms, on Commercial Road, held the party for the St Joseph’s boxers following their Glasgow 2014 bronze medal wins.

The two boxers arrived at their local for a drink on Tuesday night along with St Joseph’s boxing trainer Tony Borg, to be welcomed by hundreds of friends and family members.

Patrick Tobin, friend of Sean McGoldrick, said the party organised by owner Sheila Gill, turned out to be a huge success.

“It was really busy, with more than a hundred people here,” he said.

“Everybody came into the pub before they arrived around 7.30pm and when the boxers came around the corner we welcomed them with fireworks and balloons.

“All of their friends and family were there.

“Everybody was taking photos.

“Tony Borg arranged for them to meet at the St Joseph’s boxing club around the corner and said for them to pop around for a drink.”

During the games both fighters lost their semi-finals, along with Lauren Price of Bargoed and fellow Team Wales boxers Ashley Williams and Nathan Thorley.

Despite their delight at going home with a medal, McGoldrick and Cordina had some regret that they failed to go all the way.

Defending champion McGoldrick was beaten on points in the 56kg division when a cut for his opponent after an accidental clash of heads meant the fight had to be stopped just as the Newport man was staging a comeback.

Cordina was beaten by Scotland’s Charlie Flynn, who went on to win gold on Saturday like McGoldrick’s conqueror Conlan.

When the boxers arrived at the venue they found crowds of people on the street wearing specially printed t-shirts with their faces on them in support of their Commonwealth Games efforts.

“This is where they drink regularly,” Mr Tobin added.

“They were very surprised- they really appreciated it- they loved it.”