Bandon boxing tournament provided first-class fights in front of a huge crowd

The town of Bandon was the centre of the universe for many Cork clubs last Saturday afternoon, where the GAA Club Complex was an ideal venue for a bumper evening of first-class senior boxing.              

This splendid boxing bonanza was a joint promotion hosted by the local De Courcey Club and Golden Gloves BC. Patrons at the packed-to-the-rafters venue got behind all the competing athletes and this created a very competitive cauldron where most bouts went down to the wire.

It's 35 years since the last boxing tournament took place at this venue, and following the completion of last weekend's very successful event, it was agreed by all that it proved to be the right-sized location, which created an electric atmosphere and hugely contributed to the enjoyment of all patrons.        

This was a boxing belt bill which added to the occasion and helped to attract many experienced campaigners. It also provided an opportunity for many of Cork's Senior National champions and All-Ireland Senior Third-Level winners. 

The two clubs that promoted the event expressed their delight at how well the public supported the tournament and they received a clear message that much more of the same on a regular basis would help to satisfy their longing for good competitive amateur boxing in the town of Bandon.

Will Rossal, who is taking a squad of boxers to the United States next weekend, said the DeCourcey club were very pleased with the senior tournament. Rossal said this once again proves that boxing is now capturing the attention of sports followers from all codes and the time is right to fire on all cylinders now and to continue to market the sport often and everywhere.

Head coach with the Golden Gloves club John Morrissey said the Cork County Board have made a huge effort to develop senior boxing in recent years and this policy is now paying dividends. 

Clubs everywhere should now embrace the development of senior boxing and sooner rather than later Cork boxers will once again be representing Ireland at the Olympic Games.    

A full report on the Bandon tournament will follow in next week's column.              

GOLDEN GATES

Meanwhile, Cork County Boxing Board has received an invitation from the Olympic Club in San Francisco to send a team to their International tournament next September. This will be the third occasion in recent years for a Cork team to compete in the Golden Gate City.

In the past, the county board has sent a boxing teams to compete in this prestigious tournament. The boxers were accompanied by four very experienced Leeside coaches, Tom Kelleher, Tom Murray, Seanie Barrett and Aine McLoughlin, and all were loud in their praise of the Yanks, who provided the very best of hotels and excellent relaxation and training facilities. 

Hopefully, Cork will send a team again this year, provided, of course, that the current grey clouds of war will evaporate in the meantime.      

The 2026 Colleges senior boxing championships were concluded last week, Cork took two further national titles. 

All-Ireland glory was achieved when Leah O'Keeffe from the Kanturk BC claimed the middleweight title and Michael O'Donovan from the De Courcey club was crowned the super heavyweight champion. These successes brought the Cork tally to five and all were congratulated by the County Board President Michael O'Brien.                        

Last Friday, March 20, was the anniversary of the death of former Lord Mayor of Cork Tomás MacCurtain. He was born and died on the exact same date. Tomás was 30 on that infamous and sad day in 1920. At the time of his death, MacCurtain was the president of Ireland's oldest boxing club the Glen BC.

In conjunction with that date, a mass for all deceased Cork boxers and followers took place in the Glen Boxing Club in Blackpool. All families were invited to attend. The mass was celebrated in a most beautiful and personal way by Fr Con O'Doherty who gave a very worthy homily on the meaning of life and the power of prayer.

The attendance included the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy who did the mass readings. TDs, Councillors, the business community, and local Gardai and members of Glen Rovers Hurling Club joined with the family members of deceased Glen and Cork boxers.

During the mass, a list of over 300 names were remembered as provided by their families. The mass was sung in a magnificent and meaningful way by the High Hopes Choir which included in uniform many ex-service men. Following the service refreshments were served.

Board president Michael O'Brien thanked all for their attendance, and in particular Fr Con, The Lord Mayor, Caitriona Twoomey, Olive Morris, Anthony Connolly and Tom Kelleher. The Museum was then visited by the guests. As the attendance despersed many observed the Glen Boxing Club flag flying proudly in the car park over the northside, a club that has provided a sporting and illustrious service for the last 110 years.