Cork Boxing: Taoiseach on hand to present the Paddy 'the champ' Martin Cup

It was another hectic weekend on the Cork boxing scene, with the Taoiseach presenting the Paddy Martin Cup, the Munster Championships going on in Dungarvan, and a night of celebration and music at the annual county awards in Dromahane.            

On Saturday afternoon, the Taoiseach Micheal Martin was warmly welcomed to the Glen Boxing Club in Blackpool.

He was there to present the Paddy 'the champ' Martin Cup to two boxers from the Golden Gloves Boxing Club. 

This is an annual event, however, due to the Taoiseach's heavy schedule, both at home and abroad, this cup was not presented to the named winner last year. 

This matter, however was resolved during his visit and in a dual presentation the respective winners were duly honoured. 

Kuba Pielesz was the 2024/2025 recipient and the 2025/26 winner was William Heaphy.

Both boxers had distinguished themselves on the national and international arenas as outstanding ambassadors for both club county and country.  This was also a red letter day for the Golden Gloves Boxing Club and their coaching staff led by head coach John Morrissey. 

During the last five years Golden Gloves BC has scaled the dizzy heights of pugalistic success winning the Leeside boxing Grand Slam, having annexed victory at national level in all grades including elite, senior, U20, U18, youth, academy, junior and juvenile grades. 

The club has also put a huge emphasis on senior boxing and the successfully toured the united states on a number of occasions. 

This year alone the club boasts three current internationals.

Their is great future potential in many of their young boxers in the current crop.

Meanwhile, last weekend's receipients of the champ of champions cup named after Paddy Martin are great role models for the ambitious younger members of the Golden Gloves Club. 

In congratulating the two boxers and their club the Taoiseach praised the great work of all coaches and clubs throughout the entire county. Following the presentations the Taoiseach expressed a wish to visit the Tomas MacCurtain Museum which he officially opened on 20th April, 2024. He said he was delighted to see once again such a magnificent display of boxing memorabilia and referenced a photo of Christy Ring before his last game for the famed Glen Rovers, who were established at a meeting which took place in the Glen Boxing Club when they were located in Spring Lane in 1916. 

That historical photo was taken in 1967 by Kevin Cummins of Cummins Sports and he presented the museum with a signed enlarged copy of this unique photo. 

Prior to their departure, both the Taoiseach and the Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy signed the visitors book in the museum. 

Meanwhile, in Dungarvan, many Cork boxers were competing in the last weekend of this year's Munster championships. 

Over the last few weeks the Cork clubs expressed their satisfaction with the performances of their male and female boxers. 

From now the focus will be on the national championships which will take place in the National Stadium. 

This venue for all boxers is the promised land and it is also great opportunity to enter a ring which has been adorned by boxers who won four gold medals for Ireland at the Olympic Games.       

Elsewhere, on last Saturday night, Sean Hickey hosted a night for the Cork Boxing Fraternity Association led by their president Conal Thomas.

This took place in that splendid emporium, Hicheys of Dromahane. 

A fine gathering representing both city and county clubs was in attendance. 

The main event was the presentation of the Cork Coach of the Year Award. 

This was presented to the very popular Charleville man Tom Donnell in recognition of his outstanding achievements during the past year when he guided the Charleville Boxing Club to win the Mannix Shield as the most successful club in the Cork County Boxing Championships. 

The silver tray was presented to Tom by the 2024 winner John Morrissey. 

Another prestigious award went to the evergreen boxing veteran John Barrett from Millstreet, who has been an anchor man with the Rylane Boxing Club since their foundation in 1979. 

This was a distinquished service award, unfortunately John could not make it on the night, and the award was accepted on his behalf  by Vanc O' Connell, a great stalwart of the sport, who has given trojan service over many years. 

Both receipients received a great ovation and were congratulated by the president of the county board, Michael O'Brien. 

There were three other awards presented and a report with photos of this very enjoyable event will be carried in next week's boxing page.            Moving forward the DeCourcey Club in Bandon, in conjunction with the Golden Gloves Boxing Club, are promoting a senior boxing tournament which will take place in the Bandon GAA Complex on Saturday, 21st March.

This will be a great opportunity for boxers to win a beautifully designed boxing belt. 

This has been billed as a first class boxing bonanza and is certain to draw a huge attendance. 

Will Rossall of the DeCourcey Boxing Club has over the last few years organised top class tournaments and this show will enhance the sport and provide followers of all sports an opportunity to enjoy all the very well-matched bouts on the bill. 

Tickets for this senior boxing spectacular can be had from the club committees. 

Sadly, last week saw the passing of Michael Montgomery, affectionately known as Monty. 

Over many years Monty was involved in the sport of boxing.

He was also a very accomplished soccer player. 

He was a proud son of the northside and was educated in the North Mon. 

As youngster he boxed very successfully with Fr Horgan's BC.

In later years he was involved with other clubs, however it was with the Glen he operated as a coach for many years. 

The sympathy of the Cork County Board and the Cork Ex-Boxer's Association and all followers of the sport in Cork has been extended to the Montgomery family. 

May he rest in peace.