Conal Thomas has given years of great service to Cork boxers and boxing in general in and out of the ring

The president of the Cork Boxing Fraternity Association Conal Thomas speaking in Dublin on Saturday last, proclaimed all strands of Cork Boxing are now firing on all cylinders, and the sport on Leeside is now enjoying the benefits of a rich harvest.                  

Conal has been at the coal face of Cork boxing for the last 15 years, and step by step he has seen boxing rise from the ashes of obscurity to reach the lofty heights it enjoys today at every level in both amateur and professional boxing.    

When Conal Thomas and an independent group of boxing observers in Cork set up the Boxing Fraternity Association over 10 years ago it's primary purpose was to acknowledge the achievements of others within the sport, and to promote boxing at every level within the ranks of both amateur and professional pathways. 

Thomas got in on the ground floor of Cork boxing and rapidly took a very keen interest in helping the sport to prosper and develop. 

He aligned himself with positive and progressive thinking individuals, who had the ability to short circuit the effluent, steady the ship, and roll out a marketing strategy which helped to give a new lease of life to the sport and rekindle the boxing interests of many who at that stage came to believe that boxing in Cork was a dead duck.       

Fortunately, around the same time, their were others who were putting their shoulder to the grindstone and were positively helping to elevate amateur boxing around Cork. 

Conal Thomas fully aligned himself with 'the new dawn,' and he began to work in harmony with the Cork County Boxing Board, and the Cork Ex-Boxers Association. 

At this time, Conal's only involvement in professional boxing came through his sponsorship of Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan, and this association continues to this day. 

Spike is the most successful professional boxer that Cork has produced in the last century. 

He holds a very impressive record of victories, and this includes winning an Irish middleweight title and two prestigious WBO belts.

Spike fought some of the greatest middleweights in the world.

He had a Sky television audience of millions.

During his career Spike was outclassed on a few occasions, however, he never showed fear of any opponent and always fought bravely to the end.

He truly epitomised the spirited words of that famous boxing song 'Stand Up and Fight until you hear The Bell.' 

Conal is a proud son of Donegal where he successfully boxed as a youth. 

He came to Cork 45 years ago, and delightfully married Majella and raised a fine family. 

Now, a fully fledged adopted son of Cork, he built a reputation as a tree surgeon and developed the business nationwide. 

Today, his company Conal's Tree Service's Ltd is a national market leader, and this was acknowledged recently by An Taoiseach Micheal Martin at a boxing function earlier this year. 

Conal's daughter, Shelley, representing the Loughmahon Boxing Club won four All-Ireland medals and at that time Conal was the club president and Loughmahon won the Cork Club of the year in 2016.       

On the professional boxing circuit, Thomas has been associated with some very successful promotions, both in Cork and Donegal. 

These included the three-day Steve Collins event in 2021 to mark the 25th anniversary of Collins winning the world middleweight title in Cork. Many boxing breakfasts, and social events, such as the annual boxing awards night, which takes place in Sean Hickey's Emporium in Dromahane. Sporting a Glen Boxing Club summer shirt Conal was in Donegal recently at a press conference in relation to his promotion of a meet and greet Frank Bruno and Spike O'Sullivan event. 

Both of these men are revered as boxing icons in Tir Connaill. 

This event is organised in association with the local St John Bosco BC, and takes place on Saturday, 21st November in Donegal at McCafferty's at the Pier.           

Meanwhile, a meeting of clubs will take place on next Thursday night, 18th August at 7.30pm in the Togher Boxing Club. 

This meeting will discuss a number of motions which the Cork County Boxing Board will be submitting at the national convention which will take place in October. 

As this meeting is specificly on ringside improvements, it is hoped that many Cork club coaches will attend and give their opinions on some of the proposed changes which if carried at the national AGM will be of benefit to all within the sport.            

Elsewhere, on behalf of all in Cork boxing circles, we wish to warmly congratulate the Cork senior camogie team following their outstanding success at Croke Park on Sunday. 

This was a splendid victory over a very talented Galway team, and has helped to raise the hurling spirit on Leeside once again.

While Cork had thousands of supporters at this game, one man stood out, the great Cyril 'the bird' Kavanagh'.

Cyril was the man on the steps of the stand who congratulated all players on the way up to collect the cup, and Cyril was the man who sang 'De Banks' after our outstanding minor team won their All-Ireland Football crown a few weeks ago.