Cove Boxing Club are an example to all clubs in Cork with their progressive attitude in and out of the ring

Against a background of picturesque splendour, where famed Cobh Cathedral shadows the shore of the ancient harbour, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently officially opened the magnificent new club premises, which will now be home to the Cove Boxing Club.

It was a morning of great excitement matched by the magnificence of the summer time sun as the club members, supporters, civic dignitaries, sponsors and friends gathered to greet the Taoiseach.

Prior to his arrival staff from the department of An Taoiseach were in the club seeing that all was in readiness and cross checking the running order of the programme for the event.

On time, the Taoiseach and his entourage arrived. 

He was greeted on behalf of the club by secretary Ronan Malone and by Cllr Damian Finn, a guard of honour was provided by the younger members of the Cove Boxing Club, who were magnificently attired in the black and yellow tracksuits symbolising the club colours.

As he entered the club, Micheál Martin was further welcomed through loud cheers and widespread applause, from those who were seated in anticipation of his visit. 

The first order of business for the Taoiseach was to cut the ribbon and declare the club new premises officially open, and following a countdown, the magic words were said, and the ambitious 120 members of the club were now formally berthed in their new home.

The new club was converted from part of the old convent where the Sacred Heart Sisters had resided for over one hundred and twenty years. 

The building was later sold to a business man. 

The Cove club availed of an opportunity to meet the owner and put a proposal to him. 

John Murphy displayed tremendous community spirit, and facilitated the clubs application secured by a ten years lease.

Immediately led by the club’s president Dave Quigley they put a plan in place. 

This included to lay a magnificent timber spring floor, install a very sustainable full size ring, provide locker rooms, a canteen, and kitting out the gym area with punch bags and general boxing training equipment.

The new complex is a credit to the club’s foresight and enthusiasm, however, for many years the sport of amateur boxing was fostered in the harbour town by the late Albert McGroarty, he was a man known for his phenomenal contribution to the sport. 

A framed photo of the late Mr McGroarty was on display during the formal festivities. 

However, the family boxing tradition is maintained through his son Matt McGroarty and he is a prominent member of the current committee.

Another great servant to Cobh boxing is John Hennessy. 

He devoted many years of his life to the promotion of the sport in the town.

John was also treasurer of the Cork County Boxing Board and a member of the Cork Ex-Boxers Association. 

He was a guest of honour at the official opening and availed of the opportunity to present a pair of boxing gloves to the Taoiseach. 

Hennessy travelled many a boxing road with the late Paddy ‘The Champ’ Martin father of An Taoiseach.

The MC on the red-letter day for the Cove Boxing Club was the secretary Ronan Malone. 

Ronan formally welcomed all to the club. 

He apologised for the absence of their President Dave Quigley who was away on naval duty. 

Mr Malone then proceeded to give a brief history of boxing in Cobh over many generations, and paid tribute to the current committee who did tireless work to bring their big day to fruition, and he thanked all their sponsors including their main sponsor Karen Allistair of ABC English Language School.

The club secretary then introduced the Deputy Mayor of County Cork; Cllr. Damian Finn. 

On behalf of the club, Damian had made the official representations to have the Taoiseach present and he also welcomed him accordingly. 

Damian spoke of the rich sporting asset the Cobh Boxing Club is to the community. 

He paid tribute to their work, and encouraged the people of Cobh to support this great unit of local society who were great ambassadors in their promotion of amateur boxing within the local community.

The attendance was then addressed by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. 

He spoke as Gaeilge and then translated. 

He congratulated the Cove BC on their initiative, and said, “This is a magnificent facility for boxers in the town of Cobh, and surrounding area.” 

He outlined many of his great boxing memories and experiences; he encouraged the athletes to enjoy their time in boxing and said that in many cases from their involvement in the sport they would make lifelong friendships.

The Taoiseach was followed by the president of the Cork County Board Michael O’Brien. 

He also warmly congratulated the club on their endeavours, however, he strongly suggested that a good club must have a good strong committee in place and this is fundamental in securing the long term continuation of the club, and it will also protect all the good work done by others down through the years.

Unavailable on the day was coach Philip Mullay, however, on hand to provide a beautiful spread of refreshments for the guests were committee members Shauna O’Donovan, Karen O’Reilly, Sheila Cotter, the treasurer, Colm Cotter, Mark McGroarty, Julie Greaney and Angela McCall.

Finally, on behalf of the Cobh Chamber of Commerce, their chairman Toddy Stafford raised a grass and toasted continued success to the Cove Boxing Club.