A new season of boxing brings new hope and ambitions for all the Cork clubs

For many boxers this week will see a return to the gym, the summer is over, the lights are on, the coaches are back, and the magic of the ring once again beckons to all.

From the outset of the new season many clubs will challenge themselves in their quest, to be top dogs on the Cork Boxing Circuit. 

In the past year it was the Mayfield Boxing Club who swept the boards winning the Mannix Shield as the most successful club in the county championships and won the Victor Aston Cup, having been selected as the Cork Club of the Year. 

The intense rivalry between clubs to win this trophy has created a very competitive edge and this contributes to raising all standards both inside and outside the ring.

Cork Boxing officials are constantly aspiring to raise the standards in the sport, and this will always be a work in progress. 

Cork can be proud of the brand and image they have created to market the sport in the southern capital. 

In Dublin, a new CEO has been appointed recently.

Gary Stewart has indicated he intends to bring the winds of change into the Irish Athletic Boxing Association.

This innovative thinking has been warmly welcomed by the members of the Cork County Board. 

They are constantly pointing out that Irish amateur boxing needs decisive leadership now more than ever.

In the last eight years clubs have been looking in amazement at the coming and goings of four chairmen within the board of directors, and four CEO'S within the company. 

This has alarmingly contributed to no adequate stability within the association and standards have dropped wholesale, many examples can be cited, and the following should paint the picture.

The finals of the elite championships have always been the most important night of the year on the Irish boxing calendar. 

Following each final the focal point was the presentation of a silver cup to the winner. 

This cup displayed all the famous names of previous winners. 

In many cases this moment could have been the highlight of a boxer’s entire sporting career however what took place over the last two years has become a vexatious and moral obscenity. 

Suddenly, the silver cups were gone and replaced with a cheap looking plastic cup something akin to what you might find in a pound shop. 

Going forward this matter needs to be addressed urgently. 

The Cork County Boxing Board have made a submission to the CEO, Gary Stewart outlining many issues that they believe are in need or remedial action.

Meanwhile, 30 years ago this week, on Saturday, 9th September 1995, Cork was buzzing as the rematch of the Steve Collins - Chris Eubank fight was taking place at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. 

There was a welter of excitement amidst a carnival atmosphere. 

Fans were flying in from all over Britain, and the Collins brigade were arriving from Dublin in their droves. 

The late Joe O'Callaghan was the Lord Mayor, and he was meeting and greeting every hook and Hebrew who had arrived on Leeside a place Joe often referred to as, `The Silicon Valley of Ireland. ` 

The choppers were overhead dropping the well-heeled into the showground's while the famous Dunne brother's from Churchfield were on the ground playing the banjo and guitar entertaining the assembled multitudes with some of Cork's great anthems. 

This was big night boxing in Cork, and the atmosphere was electric. 

Six months earlier on March 13th, Collins following a blistering performance defeated Eubank and was crowned super middleweight champion of the world.

The current Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy was at the fight in Millstreet that night and recalled '' Steve entered the arena calmness personified, his eyes were closed, you could feel the focus, the intensity and the intent. 

"He entered to the Rocky Music as he passed, the heat and the smoke were unreal while the anticipation was immense.

"During the course of the fight there were a few scary moments in what was an epic battle, but it was clear that Eubank had finally met his match, and following the final bell the anxious wait and then the announcement - all I heard was and 'the new'....those words we had been longing to hear, the battle was over and the Celtic warrior had delivered as promised."

Fergal Dennehy was also in Pairc Ui Chaoimh to witness Collins` great second victory over the greatest showman in British boxing history.

Four years ago, Steve Collins returned to Cork where he enjoyed three magnificent days of event's organised to mark the 25th anniversary of his world title success on Leeside. 

As part of that itinerary Collins was welcomed to City Hall, by the deputy Lord Mayor who on the day happened to be Cllr. Fergal Dennehy. 

Steve was invited to sign the visitor's book as seen in photo on this page. 

Prior to his departure Collins received a tour of the City hall with Cllr. Dennehy. 

On Friday, June 20th last, Fergal Dennehy was elected first citizen and Lord Mayor of Cork, accordingly Steve Collins received a communication revealing the good news. 

Immediately Steve Collins sent a warm message of personal delight and the heartiest of congratulations, and so the great tradition of boxing being linked with the Cork City Hall continues to flourish.