Last Wednesday was a day of great joy and celebration as members of the all-conquering Mayfield Boxing Club were welcomed to City Hall by the Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy.
It was also a Red Letter Day for three Cork boxers, who were selected to represent Ireland at an International World Tournament in Florida, which will commence next weekend.
The guests were addressed in the Council Chamber by the Lord Mayor, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan.
The attendance included boxers coaches, club members and family members.
Lord Mayor Dennehy warmly welcomed all to a building, which he said was steeped in Cork Boxing History.
He referenced many events, which took place in the iconic building down through the years.
He spoke in glowing terms of his predecessors in the Office of Lord Mayor, and all of the many famous people from Ireland and throughout the world who had signed the visitors book, in an office, he said, had always intrigued him with its own character and atmosphere which openly welcomed all, in keeping with the city’s motto of “Statio bene fida carinis,” meaning when translated “A safe heaven to all ships.”
Coaches from Mayfield BC pictured with Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy at a reception in Cork City Hall to mark their achievement of being crowned Cork’s Boxing Club Of The Year. Picture: Doug Minihane
He then referenced his own boxing career and his halcyon days with coach Jimmy Murphy and the old Togher Boxing Club whom he represented during the mid eighties.
The Lord Mayor continued to maintain his links with Cork boxing, and when the opportunity arose 12 years ago, to establish the second coming, of the Togher Boxing Club, he immersed himself in the challenge.
Today, the Lord Mayor remains as secretary of this thriving club, which was honoured as the Cork Club of the Year on at least three occasions.
He paid tribute to his colleagues on a great committee spearheaded by Louise and Shane Forde, who also work very constructively with the Cork County Board.
Prior to the presentation, the Lord Mayor was thanked for his warm welcome and very encouraging commitment to the sport of boxing by the president of the Cork County Board Michael O’Brien.
The Cork official reminded the gathering that the City Hall was now 90 years-old, having been opened in 1936.
He reminded the boxers present that they were now part of a rich tapestry of history and heritage as guests in a building were boxing predominantly prevailed for nigh on a century now.
O’Brien then outlined what the Cork County Board had planned for the future where he said everyone in Cork boxing circles was equally important to the sport, as members of the Cork boxing family.
He then referenced the awardees, and their achievements, declaring Cork boxing was in a great place in a sport, which is flourishing as the number of clubs continues to grow throughout the city and county.
O’Brien then proceeded to thank the sponsors of the sport, many of these coming from within as he singled out for special mention Dan O’Connell, Conal Thomas, Donie Carroll, Tom Murray, Joe Buckley and those from within the Cork business community, who had displayed great loyalty and support for the sport.
The board president also thanked Doug Minihane, photographer, whom he said played a very significant role which enhanced the sport’s PR machine over the last 12 years.
The Lord Mayor then presented six silver medals to the coaches of the Mayfield club, who enjoyed a roller coaster year winning both “The Mannix Shield” as the most successful club at the county championships and, on winning “The Victor Aston Cup” as Cork’s Top Club of the Year through maintaining very high standards in both administration outside of the ring and success within the ring.
One of Mayfield’s greatest days in their history came recently when on one day, they returned from Dublin’s National Stadium, having won six All-Ireland titles.
This is also a record in the annals of Cork boxing history.
The six coaches presented with the special commissioned medals were Peter Higgins, Garreth Fitzgerald, Adibo Alboloba, Jessy Fleming, Jimmy Stanton, and Brian Cronin.
The three Cork boxers presented with international pennants by the Lord Mayor are also All-Ireland champions, Abby Murray Muskerry BC, Claire Crowley, St Martins BC and William Heaphy, Golden Gloves BC.
They were accompanied by their respective coaches Tom Murray, Kevin Crowley and John Morrissey.
In the final presentation, Brian Cronin Mayfield BC received the 2025 Cork Boxing Coach of the Year Award.
Cork’s Boxing Coach of the Year Year, Brian Cronin of Mayfield BC with County Board Sponsor Conal Thomas and Lord Mayor Cllr. Fergal Dennehy at a reception in Cork City Hall. Picture: Doug Minihane
This was in recognition of the outstanding results and success achieved by the Mayfield boxers during the season under his direction as the club’s head coach.
The presentation of this award was made by Conal Thomas, the Donegal born sponsor and President of the Cork Boxing Fraternity Association.
All guests were then invited to sign the visitor book as Doug Minihane took the pictures to record the special occasion.
Finally, the Lord Mayor was thanked for his hospitality and both he and Lady Mayoress received the traditional three rousing cheers, which is the hallmark of the Cork boxing family.