Cork's 30 boxing clubs are leading the way nationally in and outside the ring

Last Wednesday Antho Donnelly, the president of Boxing Ireland, which is the new rebranded name of the IABA, appeared before a Dail Select Committee on Arts Culture and Sport, and proudly proclaimed  that 'the success of our sport is built on the work of our clubs.'

Nationally, their are now 370 clubs affiliated throughout the country, 30 of whom are in Cork and all are making a great impact on Leeside to promote and develop the sport. 

Over the last 12 years Cork has become a pillar of strength in Irish amateur boxing and has made huge strides in the marketing of the sport and the  phenomenal success and widespread recognition of its boxers.  

This, however, did not come about by accident, but did come about by design. 

The structure and administration of the Cork County Boxing Board was refocused while steadfastly staying within the paramaters of the national rule book. 

Today, the board works closely with the clubs and has set up prepared for all situations. 

The officer board meets on a regular basis with all all plans, dates, and times for events organised are announced well in advance. 

Full county board meetings take place when required, however with today's technology, all relevent news and information is available to all within seconds. 

Nowadays, the board legislates through a compliment of eight volunteers, with four male and four females working tirelessly on behalf of the clubs. 

The composition is president Michael O'Brien, vice president John Casey, secretary John Wiseman, treasurer Nicola Murphy, registrar Louise Forde, child protection officer Aine McLoughlin, time keeper, Rose Murphy, and liasion officer Dave Quigley.                    

Over the course of each competitive season the the success and achievements of boxers, coaches, and clubs are regularly featured in this weekly column. 

From mid May onwards, in consultation with the Cork Boxing Fraternity Association, and its president Conal Thomas, annual and individual club awards are announced based on proven research of the nominees. 

These awards are then presented at a Cork Boxing Breakfast which over the last 12 years has proved to great social occasion for all Cork boxing pugalists.               

This year, their was a very special and well deserved award added to the annual Cork boxing honours List. 

This presentation of, The Lord Mayor of Cork Civic Award and solid silver medal, was presented to John Wiseman, secretary of the Cork County Board. 

The medal was presented to John by the former Lord Mayor Cllr. Fergal Dennehy in recognition of close to 25 years service in his capacity as board secretary. 

This award was well merited as Wiseman has burned the midnight oil on many occasions, working as a volunteer above and well beyond the call of duty. 

For many moons he toiled long hours for the betterment of Cork boxing, working with some outstanding club stalwarts, however, there were other occasions over the years when he encountered individuals of a rather course persuasion and who were not exactly blessed with the attributes of diplomacy. 

But might and maine John drove on and handsomely contributed to shaping the Cork Boxing Board into a very well oiled machine which is warmly admired today at national level.           

Meanwhile, Shane Forde was the very popular winner of this year's Cork Indoor Sports Boxing award. 

The Togher BC man received his acolade from fellow clubman Fergal Dennehy, who was then the Lord Mayor of Cork when the presentation was made during the month of May at a celebration dinner which took place in the Metropole Hotel. 

All of Cork's international boxers over the last three years were welcomed to City Hall and congratulated by the Lord Mayor, who presented them with a souvenir medal. 

The Taoiseach, Micheal Martin was on hand at the Glen BC to present the Paddy ' the champ' Martin cup to two Golden Gloves boxers. 

Kuba Pielesz won in respect of 2025, and multible All-Ireland champion William Heaphy won the famed cup as Cork Boxer of the Year in 2026. 

The prestigious Cork Boxing Premier Referee of the Year award was won by Billy O'Sullivan, the well respected Midleton BC official, who displayed a very high standard of officiating throughout the season. 

The Cork Coach of the Year award was presented to Tom O'Donnell of the Charleville club. 

Charleville BC were the outright winners of the Mannix Shield as Cork's most successful club at the County Boxing Championships. 

The Hall of Fame award went to an illustrious boxing man, the iconic Conal Thomas, while the blue ribband of boxing trophies, The Victor Aston Cup, went to the 2026 Cork Boxing club of the Year Golden Gloves BC.

The club who has once again reached the highest standards and are a great example to all.