He's currently the pride of Pembroke - and Mickey Mcdonagh returned home to a great welcome at Food and Williams last night as his family and friends threw a surprise party to mark his achievements at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The 19-year-old reached the semi finals of the 60KG category at the Gold Coast before losing a split decision to Australia's Harry Garside, underlining his potential as one of Britain's brightest boxing prospects.

Telegraph Sport reporters were delighted to be invited to the celebration, and speaking publicly for the first time since returning to Wales, Mickey told us he aimed to build on what he'd achieved.

"I won't lie I still feel disappointed because I went there for Gold," he admitted.

"But I'm more determined now for the Olympics in 2020. I'm currently in the Team GB squad and will have some qualifiers next year and I can't wait for them."

And the Merlins Bridge ABC boxer seemingly wouldn't hesitate to ever return to Australia.

"The athletes village was brilliant and I had a great time. A lovely country with lovely weather."

Mcdonagh also paid tribute to Merlins Bridge coach Graham Brockway who has worked with him for the past six years, and his Team Wales coaches Colin Jones and Mark James.

He also said he wanted to thank everyone who had supported him at the Games.

One person who spoke at the gathering was former Monkton Priory School headteacher William Rees, who himself taught Mickey, and spoke of his pride at his former pupil's achievement.

Many of those present jokingly wore Mickey masks to welcome him home, and his sister Stacey said the whole family was unbelievably proud, and like her brother, thanked everybody for their backing.

But now Mcdonagh's thoughts turn to the Olympics, but it is a task made harder due to the mass amount of self funding he has to do along the way.

Despite his status as a rising star in British boxing, his weekly travel back and for between Merlins Bridge and Cardiff for training, as well as his own training kit and equipment, is all at his own cost.

He is currently seeking sponsorship to help him pursue him ambition to reach Tokyo, and any company or individual wishing to help can contact Telegraph Sport via our Facebook page, or at fwa@westerntelegraph.co.uk, and we will put you in contact with Mickey and family.