The Leeside legends series: Joyce was one of the greats of Irish boxing

For Kieran Joyce’s record in the ring made him one of the greatest boxers that this country produced in modern times.

Looking back on those early days Joyce recalled achieving one of his greatest feats in the ring in 1982.

“Don’t get me wrong I was never a bad loser but after four years of training, diabolical judging finally killed the fire inside me,” said Kieran.

For many years, the Sunnyside Boxing Club trained at the Griffin United Harrier club near the North Cathedral in Cork and the atmosphere at this club was always something special.

Joyce is now head coach with the Sunnyside club and is always quick to pay tribute to people like his former coach Albie Murphy and late parents Brian and Lilly who supported him throughout his career.

Kieran Joyce will long be remembered for his contribution to boxing in Ireland and although he is no longer floating like a butterfly or stinging like a bee it goes without saying boxers like him are born and not made.

Kieran Joyce retired at the age of 26 after he represented Ireland 85 times at senior level.
Joyce represented Ireland at three World Championships and two Olympic Games, Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul in 1988.
Kieran was trained by the late Albie Murphy.
As head coach of Sunnyside Boxing Club Kieran has produced boxers like Michael Roche who represented Ireland at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.
Two split decisions cost him two Olympic medals.