Top AIBA 3-Star Referee and Judge (R&J) Ben McGarrigle received a SNI SportMaker Technical Award at the Titanic Centre in Belfast last night.
“It was fantastic to see boxing represented at these awards and Ben very deservedly winning this award and recognition for his devotion and service to the sport of boxing over many years,” said Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) CEO Fergal Carruth, pictured above with McGarrigle last evening.
McGarrigle, who claimed the Best IABA R&J Award along with Dermott McDermott at the IABA Annual Awards in Dublin earlier this month, boxed to a very high standard and competed at heavyweight in the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia where he was beaten by Wales’ eventual bronze medallist Kevin Evans.
He remained between the ropes after hanging up his gloves and has officiated at European, World, Commonwealth and WSB level as well as serving on his County Board and Provincial Council.
McGarrigle’s wife, children, sister and nephew were present to see him receive the award which the Commonwealth quarter-finalist said he was delighted to accept on behalf of the IABA and all who give so unselfishly to the sport of boxing in Ireland.
The Ulster Boxing Council (UBC), which nominated Ben for this prestigious award, were delighted to see boxing amongst the accolades at the Titanic Centre event hosted by Sport NI.
Kevin Duffy and Charlie Toland, President and Secretary of the UBC, commended Sport NI on hosting the event and recognising the amazing work carried out by so many people in so many sports within in the Province.