Cork boxing rolled out the red carpet for top Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) officials on a day of celebration on Leeside last Saturday.
Newly elected IABA President Dominic O’Rourke, IABA CEO Fergal Carruth and IABA Registrar Stephen Connolly attended as the Rebel County celebrated a record breaking 33 All-Ireland titles last season, smashing the previous record by three belts.
Anna Moore and Dave O’Brien represented the Munster Council.
Olympic champion Michael Carruth was a guest of honour in the Munster capital. Michael O’Brien, President of the Cork County Boxing Board, made a special presentation to the World Elite medallist to mark the 25th anniversary of his historic win at Barcelona 1992.
Proceedings began with the unveiling of a plaque to the legendary Cork-born Jack “The Gorgeous Gael” Doyle on the iconic Boxing Wall in Bishop Lucy Park.
The celebrations continued at City Hall later that afternoon where a Civic Reception was organised to jointly welcome Michael Carruth and the new President of the IABA, Dominic O’Rourke.
Permanent Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, hosted the event. In his address, the Councillor welcomed all and outlined the long tradition that exists between Cork boxing and the seat of Leeside democracy.
Fergal Carruth spoke at City Hall and hailed the outstanding contribution of Cork to Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport.
Michael O’Brien thanked the Deputy Lord Mayor for hosting the event before proceedings moved to the main event of the day, the Cork boxing victory dinner at the Commons Inn Hotel in Blackpool.
Michael Carruth received a prolonged standing ovation at the Commons Inn.
Dominic O’Rourke was warmly welcomed and stated that the Cork Board was a role model for the development of Irish boxing. Michael O’Brien made a presentation to the IABA President.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald, and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin spoke and made presentation on the night.