Michael Roche will always be regarded as one of the best ever boxers to come out of Cork

This coming weekend will see the commencement of the 2026 senior and intermediate men and women's national boxing championships, which will take place once again at the National Stadium in Dublin.

These championships will be completed over three weekends. 

These are November 13th -14th, 20th-21st, and 27th-28th. 

These championships are open to all affiliated clubs for boxers aged 19-40. -

However, boxers who have already competed in the National Elite Championships are not eligible to enter. 

There is no facility to regrade irrespective of age or any other circumstance. 

Each club entering a boxer in any category must provide two qualified coaches to sit at the corners.

In recent years the development of senior boxing in Cork has seen many titles come to the southern capital. 

However, this is a very demanding task of individual athletes. 

Many young boxers will succeed in winning a national title, but many retire as juvenile boxers. 

The determination and dedication required for senior boxing is for most to demanding. 

The level of fitness required surpasses any team sport, and allied to this, there is diet requirements, and weigh-ins etc. 

Notwithstanding this, Cork is now producing a large range of senior boxers in both male and female classes. 

This is thanks in the main to a number of great coaches in both the city and the county as senior and elite boxing has made a big mark on the sporting landscape in recent times.

The senior boxing flag has flown well in Cork of late. 

The 2023-24 season will long be remembered for the outstanding success achieved by a group of boxers affectionally known as 'Cork's magnificent seven'.

These great boxing ambassadors were Aaron O'Donoghue, Linda Desmond, Shane Cunningham, Kuba Pielesz, Dave O'Neill, Katie O'Keeffe and Ryan McCarthy.

Since the establishment of the Cork County Boxing Board in 1914, Cork boxers have been to Dublin for many finals, however, they always have had great difficulty in getting verdicts in their favour. 

Irrespective of their performances, many disappointedly came home empty handed. 

Over the years, however, some success was achieved. 

The great Willie Boy Murphy won a few titles in the 1920's and in 1946 and 1947 Tommy Hyde, Sunnyside and Jim Gunner Murray, from the Glen BC brought senior boxing glory to the deep south.

Don Murray won the heavyweight title in 1962, and Neilie Dunne, Sunnyside succeeded in winning the same title in 1978. 

Several other Cork boxers enjoyed elite success, and they included Seanie Barrett, Declan Higgins, Billy Walsh, Eana Falvey and the Queen of Cork boxing, Christina Desmond, who won six elite titles.

The most phenomenal success of all was achieved by coach Albie Murphy during a great era for Cork boxing. 

Albie Murphy, who died in 1990, 36 years ago, left a magnificent boxing legacy behind. 

He masterminded the success enjoyed by many Sunnyside boxers in every grade. 

Who will ever forget that famous night in the National Stadium in 1987 where within two hours he coached three heroes to win National Elite Titles. 

Gordon Joyce, who holds the record as being the youngest man ever to win a senior title was joined by Paul Buttimer and Kieran Joyce.

Ther club also produced three Olympians, Kieran Joyce, a double Olympian in the 1980's, Paul Buttimer in Barcelona in 1992 and Michael Roche in Sydney in 2000. 

Roche won five elite titles and a couple of years back was honoured at a Cork boxing breakfast. 

The sponsor Conal Thomas made a presentation to Roche and said this about Michael.

"Michael Roche is a true legend of Leeside sport. 

"He achieved much from a glittering career, he set standards and led by example and above all gave hope to every Cork boxer for generations to come.” 

Prior to his participation at the Sydney Olympics Roche was a seasoned international and had as a light middleweight won four Irish Elite titles. 

He won his fifth and final belt a year after the Olympics. 

The Sunnyside BC man won five in a row at 71kgs. 

In 1997, 98,99, 2000 and 2001. 

Roche qualified for the Sydney Olympics through the Chemistry Cup in Germany and had the distinction of been the only Irish boxer at the 27th Olympiad. 

Roche was accompanied on his journey down under by Willie O'Leary, and four members of the Cork Ex-Boxers Association. 

Reflecting on his experience at the Olympics he expressed disappointment. 

However, he said he would not have been in Sydney only for his employers at Pfizers, who had no hesitation in giving him the time off he needed to pursue his Olympic dream.

On receiving his award at the boxing breakfast, he said he wished to thank the sponsor, and all associated in the organisation of a great occasion for him. 

He paid tribute to his wife Lorraine, whom he said had made great sacrifices as he pursued his demanding career. 

Michael Roche as Cork's last boxing Olympian received a prolonged long-standing ovation which was richly deserved.