Duddy to return next month

05 June 2008 – by Bobby Lavery

Monivea Amateur Boxing Club was established in October 1983 by Gus Farrell, Senior and International Champion, who had recently moved into the area, and a number of interested local people.

First boxers to box for the club were Johnny Lyons and Tom Concannon in 1983/84 season. First boxer to win a County title was Youth 2 Joe OGrady. Damien Blade was the first to win the National title 2(36kgs) in the 1985/86 season.

The club flourished with boxers winning several County and Connacht titles each year. Our next National title came in the 1995/96 season when Boy 4. 48kgs John Paul Keary won. In 1996 club coach Gus Farrell was selected to travel to the Olympics in Atlanta with the Irish boxing team. In this year he also became a boxing Tutor for the IABA.

Over the years the club has collected 18 National titles, three of these titles in the present season. Two titles came to Kieran Forde one a Boy 4 (48kgs) and the other a junior title. Michael Ward won Boy 4(75kgs) title.

The club enjoys great support from the local Community and businesses and this, coupled with the work of clubs committee under the Chairmanship of Dannie Culkin, has ensured the continued success of our club.

The club has approximately 30 boxers in training at the moment, both male and female. Training takes place in Fr Sammon Centre, Monivea.

Monivea is a small village situated eighteen miles from Galway City and six miles from Athenry. Training times are Tuesday 7.30pm 9.00pm and Friday 7.00pm-9.00pm. For further information contact Gus Farrell 087 1249735.

E-mail gerryfarrell57@gmail.com.