Cork Boxing: William Heaphy grabs European U17 medal in Germany
Cork Boxing: European bronze medal winner William Heaphy from Golden Gloves Boxing Club.
William Heaphey from Golden Gloves BC was the boxing pride of Leeside following his return to Cork as a European bronze medallist.
The talented northsider was jubilant, having represented Ireland at the European U17 Championships, which took place in Kienbaum in Germany.
Cork had further representation at these championships through Abby Murray, Muskerry BC, and Claire Cronin, St Martha’s BC. However, the Irish champions came up against some very difficult opponents, and despite their plucky performances, failed to advance.
Meanwhile, the Cork Ex-Boxers Association will hold their first meeting of the new year on Monday, January 26. Chairman JJ Murphy said the coming year will provide great opportunities for the association to complement the work of the county board.
"The Cork Ex-Boxers have now been in existence for 54 years. In the last five years, many of our staunch members passed away.
"These men gave great service, and we owe it to them to ensure that the group will continue to maintain the aspirations of the founder members and pass the torch on to future generations maintaining the spirit and ethos of all who attended the inaugural meeting in 1972."
President of the Cork Boxing Fraternity Association, Conal Thomas, has announced that the date for the annual rural social assembly of Cork clubs will once again take place at Hickey's Emporium in Dromahane on Saturday, January 31.
Over the last four years, this has proved to be a great success. This coming event will see the arrival of a number of special guests which will enhance the occasion. The host will be that great boxing man Sean Hickey.
Following a recent meeting of members of the county board with Glen BC officials, it was suggested and agreed that a special event to honour all deceased Cork boxers will take place in the Glen Boxing Club in March. A list of names will be compiled, and members of their families will be written to and invited to attend.
The format of the occasion will include a mass to be said in the club, followed by a tour of the magnificent museum which features many photos of Cork boxers from all generations. Refreshments will then be served along with an address by the Lord Mayor Cllr. Fergal Dennehy and a 'Down Memory Lane' talk to reflect on times past and to remember with affection those men who once made the headlines.
Meanwhile, the next Cork Boxing Breakfast will take place at The Muskerry Arms Restaurant on Saturday, January 17, where a number of awards will be presented to various club members in recognition of their contribution within their clubs. This policy is being pursued by the county board to acknowledge that all who operate within the confines of the board's jurisdiction are fully appreciated, not simply as volunteers but as ambassadors for the sport.
The role of every club member must be respected and valued to strengthen the sport substantially in the long run.
In 1922, Clarke, from the Blarney Boxing Club, was the first Corkman to bring an IABA Senior title to Cork when he won the national heavyweight title in Dublin. The unveiling will be performed by the Lord Mayor.
Later that day, the national elite finals will take place at the National Stadium, and it is hoped that once again this year that Cork boxers will qualify to compete on the greatest night of the year on the Irish boxing calendar.
Elsewhere, the newly revamped Bishop Lucy Park is the subject of mixed opinion among the general public. However, the new boxing wall featuring a series of plaques illustrating many facets of Cork's boxing history has been warmly welcomed by all.
An additional plaque containing a QR code will be erected in the new year, and this will provide information for visitors recalling the sporting history of each boxer named on the plaques.
Finally, on behalf of all in Cork boxing circles, the President of the County Board Michael O'Brien has extended best wishes to all Cork boxing followers abroad.
That includes three vice-presidents of the International Friends of Cork boxing, Donie Carroll in New York, Dan O'Connell in Malaga, and Frank O'Sullivan in Birmingham, and to all sponsors, supporters, clubs and boxers on Leeside, the president has wished all a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous sporting new year.
App?
