Cork Boxing Wall of Fame gets a new member - the late Danny Ahern, better known as Danzer Nagle

Following another week of sun-soaked days, and high temperatures, Cork Boxing continued to blossom yielding further All-Ireland glory in Dublin, the unveiling of another plaque in the park to celebrate the ring success of a pugilist from yesteryear, and hailing a new dawn following the AGM of the Cork EX-Boxers Association.

On Friday afternoon last, another magnificent boxing ceremony took place in Bishop Lucey Park. 

A fine gathering assembled for the unveiling of a plaque honouring the late great northside boxing warrior Danny Ahern, who famously boxed under his Ring Name of Danzer Nagle, 'The Irish Terror.' 

The request to unveil this plaque came from Danzer's two grandsons, Stephen and Danny O’Donovan, who sponsored the event. 

The new Boxing Wall of Fame looked resplendent in the mid-afternoon sun. 

The boxing wall in the revamped park is a feature which draws huge crowds every day, and this in itself enriches the history and heritage of the sport in the southern capital. 

The event MC, Michael O'Brien, on behalf of the Cork boxing authorities, expressed their thanks and gratitude to Valerie O'Sullivan, CEO and the Cork City Council, including Bernard Scully, who is currently on vacation. 

O'Brien also thanked Cllr Ciara O'Connor, Cork southwest ward, for all her assistance with the logistics, etc. 

This is the first plaque to go up in the park to include a QR Code, this when using a smart phone enables the visitor to read the boxer's sporting history, and fully appreciate the success they achieved during their sporting careers.

In last week’s column we carried Danzer’s boxing history suffice to say he boxed with Sunnyside winning county, provincial, and national titles before he emigrated to England and turned professional in the early 1940's. 

Danzer took on all comers and enjoyed a very successful career from 1943 to 1948.

Officially, he fought 151 fights and was victorious in 133 which was remarkable. 

When eventually he returned home, he took up coaching with the Fr Horgan`s Boxing Club. 

Amongst the guest speakers was Dan O'Connell, the new president of the Cork EX-Boxers Association.

Dan said this.

"It is my pleasure on behalf of the Cork Ex-Boxers to welcome the Ahern-Nagle families to the historic boxing wall.

"I knew Danzer personally and coached alongside him at the Fr Horgan's Club, under the direction of head coach Paul Power.

"Danzer is deserving of his place in Cork boxing history and we are delighted to honour him here today on the wall of boxing.

"There is no other wall, there is no other city, there is no other boxing community that honours its boxing personalities and champions, both past and present, from both inside and outside the ring, in this unique way."

Derry McCarthy of CEBA spoke next and informed the gathering that he knew Danzer well and proceeded to tell a couple of witty stories which brought some light-hearted moments to the occasion. 

The main organiser, Danny O'Donovan gave a brief outline on how everything came about and then accompanied by his brother Stephen, jointly unveiled the plaque to the celebrated northside boxing hero. 

In conclusion, Michael O'Brien thanked the RTÉ Programme 'Nationwide` and its editor Eoin Ryan for featuring a programme on Danzer.

Elsewhere, Cork's boxing club of the year, Golden Gloves BC, are celebrating further All-Ireland glory, following the great national victory for Leah Cairns in Dublin where she lifted the U15, 50kg title, under the coaching of John Morrissey and Connor Connolly.

They were the only Cork club to win a national title at these championships, and Leah won it in style, following her sensational victory over Emmie Jacobs from the Paulstown BC in Kilkenny.

Meanwhile, the Cork Ex-Boxers Association held their AGM last Tuesday night.

Following a delightful debate on many topics, a broad plan for the coming year was approved in principle. 

This meeting was well attended and took place in the Spartan BC, in Turner's Cross. 

The long-time secretary of the CEBA, Martin Coughlan, advised that he was in Boston and would be back in a week or so. 

Martin was praised for his great work over many years with the organisation who always achieve what they set out to do.

Derry McCarthy was then thanked for the fine work he put in during his three-year term. 

Dan O'Connell was elected as the new president, along with the following committee, vice president Derry McCarthy, chairman JJ Murphy, secretary Martin Coughlan, assistant secretary Marian O'Leary, treasurer JJ Murphy, PRO Mick O’Brien, committee: John Casey, Aine McLoughlan, Paddy McSweeney, Anthony Connolly, John Hartnett, Vanc O'Connell, Will Rossall and Don Murray. 

The first meeting of the new committee will take place on the first Tuesday in September at the Spartan Boxing Club.