REBEL COUNTY HONOURS ITS LEGENDS

 

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It was a proud and emotional day for the Hyde and Martin families in Cork this afternoon after two plaques were unveiled on the famed Boxing Wall in Bishop Lucey Park in honour of Paddy “The Champ” Martin and Tommy “The Prince” Hyde.

Both families in were in the Park for an event organised by the Cork Ex Boxers Association. Hundreds attended the superbly organised ceremony.

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Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin, son of Paddy Martin, thanked all for what he described as a wonderful occasion and tribute to Tommy Hyde and his late father.

Echoing those sentiments, Michael O’Brien, President of the Cork County Boxing Board, hailed all for their contribution to a poignant and colourful celebration of two legends of the ring.

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The Irish Athletic Boxing Association were represented by President Pat Ryan, National Registrar Stephen Connolly and former President Breandán Ó Conaire.

“It is both a privilege and a pleasure to be in Cork today for the unveiling of two plaques to honour two legends of our sport, said Pat Ryan.

“Tommy Hyde and Paddy Martin represented all that was good in Cork and Irish boxing. Both men represented their country with distinction in the 1940s and 1950s and both were outstanding ambassadors for our sport.

“It is fitting that we honour these two greats and I commend the Cork Ex Boxers Association and all involved for their efforts in arranging this wonderful ceremony on an historic day for our sport on Leeside. “