Launch to be held for Bann boxing book

A book which chronicles boxing in the Banbridge District across generations is set to be launched next week, as Banbridge Amateur Boxing Club celebrate the completion of a state of the art gym based in Havelock Park.
Training in Banbridge Bosco about 1965. Bobby Peden on the left facing Eamon McCusker with long serving Banbridge ABC coach, Barney Savage keeping an eye on both boys. Barney Savage was an exceptional coach. He coached Bobby Peden to two Ulster Senior Titles. The first in 1967 when Bobby outboxed Hugo Gillhouley of Immaculata and the second in 1968 when Bobby took a middleweight title against Mick Regen from the Belfast Bosco gym.Training in Banbridge Bosco about 1965. Bobby Peden on the left facing Eamon McCusker with long serving Banbridge ABC coach, Barney Savage keeping an eye on both boys. Barney Savage was an exceptional coach. He coached Bobby Peden to two Ulster Senior Titles. The first in 1967 when Bobby outboxed Hugo Gillhouley of Immaculata and the second in 1968 when Bobby took a middleweight title against Mick Regen from the Belfast Bosco gym.
Training in Banbridge Bosco about 1965. Bobby Peden on the left facing Eamon McCusker with long serving Banbridge ABC coach, Barney Savage keeping an eye on both boys. Barney Savage was an exceptional coach. He coached Bobby Peden to two Ulster Senior Titles. The first in 1967 when Bobby outboxed Hugo Gillhouley of Immaculata and the second in 1968 when Bobby took a middleweight title against Mick Regen from the Belfast Bosco gym.

‘A Century of Boxing in Banbridge’ is the second publication by Banbridge ABC secretary Anne Murphy and it features 26 stories about boxing experiences from a spectrum of views.

The launch of the book will take place on Thursday May 29 at 7pm in the Hockey Pavillion in Havelock Park, Banbridge. Freddie Gilroy will top the guest list with the bronze medal that he won in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

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The book sees Jason ‘Coolhand’ McKay and Bernard McComiskey give the reader a unique insight into the ‘pro game’ and the challenges they met.

Belfast writers, Brian Madden and Barry Flynn both document valuable memories, records and events in the boxing lives of Bunty Adamsom and Eamon McCusker.

Owen Gribben and Mark Casey record their teenage accomplishments at Hallsmill Laurencetown Boxing Club and just how difficult the journey to a national title really is. This journey is reitified by today’s youngsters in Banbridge ABC with Conor Martin and Adrianna McMullan giving their take on national success.

Current coaches, Sean McKay, Davy Mawhinney and Justin Hill document the history from the corners point of view. A tremendous collection of photographs chronicle decades of boxing in the district. Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Dave Boy McCauley, Wayne McCullough, Barry McGuigan and Amir Khan are only some of the high profile boxing superstars who for one reason or another have made an impact on the local scene.

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One of the most interesting pieces of memorabilia in the book is the 1956 programme from Ireland versus Germany in the old Iveagh Cinema, Banbridge. It was this event that kick-started the Olympic career of Freddie Gilroy.

Doors open at 6.30pm on launch night and all are welcome. After the launch the book will be on sale in outlets in Banbridge – Walshs, Centra Scarva Street, the Post Office Laurencetown and Nisa in Gilford.