Inaugural competition to remember Peter O’Donnell - ‘the voice of Irish boxing’

THE inaugural competition commemorating the man known as ‘the voice of Irish boxing’ will take place in Donegal this weekend.

Peter O’Donnell, who died last year after a short illness, was involved in the sport for most of his life – first as an avid supporter of some of the north-west’s top operators before helping get his beloved Raphoe Boxing Club off the ground in the 1980s.

A valued coach and mentor to many, he was always in the corner of Irish boxers, whether at home or on foreign soil, serving as team manager on many teams that represented the country on the international stage.

There were 400 entries for the first Peter O’Donnell Memorial Box Cup, which will bring some top class action between the ropes at Clonmany Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

And his long-time friend, and Boxing Ireland vice-president, Eugene Duffy believes such a big turnout is a fitting tribute for a man who was held in such esteem.

“Peter’s achievements go far beyond medals and records,” he said.

“They reflect a lifetime of dedication, perseverance and pride in representing Donegal, Derry and Ireland at the highest level.

“He was MC in Dublin for years, the voice of Irish boxing, and also took great pride in representing Donegal and Raphoe, where he made his home.

“It is a privilege to recognise a sporting career that has inspired younger generations, and I would like to congratulate the County Donegal Board, in particular president James McCarron and secretary Mandy Douglas.

“Everybody is looking forward to a great weekend, in memory of a great man. Hopefully it goes from strength to strength.”

The following weekend, meanwhile, sees the return of one of the most established box cups in Ireland.

The Halloween Box Cup - run by the County Antrim Board, takes place at Girdwood Community Hub from October 24-26 – and features 420 participants from five different countries.