Mick Devane is one of Cork boxing's greatest servants
Cork Boxing: Mick Devane of Riverstown BC, who turns 95 this week, receiving an appreciation plaque from Olympic Gold Medallist Michael Carruth during a function at the Commons Inn in 2017. Picture: Doug Minihane
It's a busy few weeks as club boxers compete in the boys and girls 1,2,3, championships which are taking place in the National Stadium in Dublin.
All these boxers have competed already in both the county and provincial championships. The County Board extends best wishes to all the competitors and coaches as they are ambassadors for the sport in the capital.
Last weekend, Katie O'Keeffe travelled to Scotland to participle in the internationally-renowned Caladonia Box Cup. Following her recent success in the All-Ireland University Championships, Katie has now won nine national titles.
In the Highlands Championships recently, Katie displayed all her skills. She gave an exhibition of class boxing in the semi-final and repeated this in the final where she devastated her opponent with a sizzling display of rapid-fire punching power which has become a hallmark of her success.
Her performance in Scotland was one her coach Jim McConville said was first class.
At the recent Cork Boxing Breakfast during the club members' award ceremony, Aine McGloughlin, Billy O'Sullivan and Ciara Noonan were honoured. A further 10 Cork club members received silver service trays in appreciation of their contribution to develop and promote boxing.
The awardees honoured by the County board were Aoife O'Callaghan, Glen BC, Garreth Fitzgerald, Mayfield BC, Glen Walsh, Spartan BC, Peter Higgins, Mayfield BC, Colm and Steve, Midleton BC, and four members of the flourishing Cove Boxing Club: Sheila, Karen, Julie and Angela.
This week Mick Devane, former officer of the Cork County Boxing Board and one of the founder members of Rivertown BC, celebrated his 95th birthday. This longevity of life has elevated him to the status of the most senior member of the Cork boxing family.
He has given over 40 years’ service to his beloved Riverstown club. He also gave Trojan service as both treasurer and official timekeeper with the board.
For this contribution to Leeside boxing, he was honoured by the Cork Board at a victory dinner in 2017. To make this presentation the County board invited Ireland's first Olympic gold boxing medallist Michael Carruth to make this special presentation to the unassuming Mick Devane.
Mick was acknowledged by the Cork Ex-Boxes Association during a breakfast at the Silver Key Restaurant in 2013. Here Mick received a very pleasant surprise.
Prior to this event Mick was asked would he make a presentation to the late Tim O'Sullivan. He said he would be delighted to do so. Tim was asked would he make a presentation to Devane. Tim replied he would be honoured to do so.
On the morning of the presentation, both men were simultaneously called on each believing he was making a presentation to the other. Then the masterplan unfolded and up stepped the then Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Catherine Clancy and to the amusement of all she stole the show by making a surprise presentation to both men. Happy Birthday Mick.
Further good news emerged from the town of Mallow during last week. A local group are setting up a new club in the locality and met with officers of the county board. The board were satisfied that the new club have complied with all stipulations and were happy to put their application for affiliation to the 1ABA headquarters in Dublin.
Elsewhere in New York Last Sunday in Calvary Cemetery the annual commemoration to honour the men of 1916 took place. A huge turnout assembled for this annual pilgrimage. A memorial wreath was laid to perpetuate the memory of these great men. On the podium the tri-colour and the stars and stripes flew proudly.
Donie Carroll, the vice-president of the International Friends of Cork Boxing and a prominent member of the Cork Man's Association in New York, had the honour of singing both the Irish and American anthems. The former Sunnyside boxer continues to be an outstanding ambassador for his county.
The Cork Ex Boxers Association will make a welcome return to Bishop Lucy Park in September to unveil a further two plaques on what has now become Cork's famous boxing wall of honour. The newly revamped Bishop Lucy Park was officially opened on December 9 last by the current Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy.
This occasion next September will once again see the return of the Cork Butter Exchange Band who for many years now have had a close affinity with all Cork Boxing promotions at Bishop Lucy Park.
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