Mayfield Boxing Club has been one of the best run clubs in Cork for many years

MAYFIELD Boxing Club have enjoyed another outstanding season as the club continues to flourish and thrive.

Boxing in Mayfield has a long tradition. 

The first club in the area operated in the 1940’s. 

This club lasted about twenty-seven years. 

In the early sixties another club emerged in the area, and many of these boxers went on to box for Dean Sexton’s on the Lower Road. 

This club, due to loss of their premises, also become defunct.

Other clubs in that locality in the last half century included the very successful Ballyvolane Club, and Brian Dillons BC, who are still operating today, as a very prominent club in Cork boxing circles.

Fifteen years ago, in 2009 the current Mayfield Boxing Club was established. 

In the intervening years, this club has made a remarkable contribution to the promotion and development of boxing. 

Mayfield BC has produced a conveyor belt of county, Munster and All-Ireland champions. 

Their sporting endeavours within their local community have been widely praised and acknowledged by politicians, the business community, the Cork County Boxing Board and by the former Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Joe Kavanagh.

Eight years after their establishment in 2017, Mayfield BC was announced as the Cork Club of the Year and presented with the Victor J. Aston Cup.

This was at that time, the most successful year for underage boxing in Cork since the establishment of the County Board in 1914. 

To celebrate this illustrious occasion a victory dinner took place at the Common’s Inn attended by a couple of hundred guests.

These included the Lord Mayor of Cork that year Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald, the President of the IABA, Dominick O’Rourke, the current Tánaiste Micheál Martin and the Olympic Champion Michael Carruth. 

All of these guests paid glowing tributes to the Mayfield Boxing Club, as the club’s members basked in Leeside boxing glory on a never to be forgotten night for the Club.

The cup named after Victor J. Aston a man who gave sterling service to Cork boxing was presented by Dan O’Connell to a beaming Brian Cronin surrounded by friends and club colleagues. 

This was the first year the Victor Aston Cup was presented. 

The cup was sponsored by Dan O’Connell, another man who gave many years in various capacities to Cork, Munster and international boxing.

In his presentation address, O’Connell said: “Tonight we salute the magnificent success achieved by the Mayfield Boxing Club; tonight this club also makes history as the first winners of this cup. 

"Mayfield are now the majestic trail blazers and this Boxing Club, has now set the standard for all future winners of this cup."

In February last, Mayfield BC, along with Charleville BC, tied for Cork’s top club at the county championships. 

Two years earlier Mayfield also had the distinction of again being Leeside’s number one club at these championships.

The club’s success story is one of sheer determination and hard work, and over the last 15 months, Mayfield has won six All-Ireland titles, 18 Munster Championships and 22 county titles. 

Club spokesman Peter Higgins said: “These victories are more than mere numbers and truly represent the sweat strategy and heart of all the committed members of the club."

Since the Mayfield Boxing Club reopened in 2009, Brian Cronin and Adibo Aigbologa have coached Mayfield boxers to win over 30 national titles.

On Wednesday, 5th June last, the club premises was transferred into a hub of celebration. 

It was a night to honour the boxers, their families, and coaches, who played pivotal roles in their quest to make Mayfield Boxing Club a role model for the sport. 

This was a night for the families of the boxers, and the sporting people of Mayfield to acknowledge, respect, reflect, and appreciate the outstanding work of club coaches Brian Cronin, Odibo Aigbologa, Peter Higgins, Garreth Fitzgerald, Jessy Flemming and Jimmy Stanton.

However, as Peter Higgins said: “The stars on the night were the club’s 2024 All-Ireland champions, Daniel Fitzgerald, Donna McCarthy, and Reuben Aigbologa."

Beyond the ring, Mayfield BC has ambitious plans. 

They have the full support of the Mayfield East Community Association where the boxing club is located. 

Their objective now is to expand the premises; their plans include additional training space and upgraded facilities, and to provide a welcoming safe sporting environment for athletes of all ages who wish to become part of this progressive club.

The club has the full support of all local councillors and they will now invite TD’s to lend their support, enthusiasm and guidance as they set out to bring their very admirable and proactive plans to fruition.

Today, Mayfield Boxing Club stands proud.

They are flying the boxing flag in their locality with distinction.

The club, is achieves goals and setting standards, but most important of all they are not standing still. 

This proactive club is making waves, and building for the future as fantastic ambassador for Cork boxing.