Ardnaree boxing club has become an institution in pugilistic circles in Mayo and across the country from humble beginnings in 1949 when 40 young boxers took up the sport for the first time. The club has gone on to write a very long and proud history, claiming 26 national titles, more than 300 Connacht titles and 500 Mayo titles, and producing eight internationals through the more than 1,600 young boxers who have donned gloves in competition for the club. Ardnaree has also had the honour of being the first club in the country to train female boxers back in 1996 when they had 30 girls enter their gym and club secretary Fiona Hennigan became the first female judge in Ireland to pass the European and World exams. She has gone on to represent Ireland at European and world championships. The club has captured national titles in every decade since it was formed the first in 1955 when Noel Coggins became the first man to bring a national title west of the Shannon. This feat was followed right up to this decade when Gerry Casey (twice ), Gary Geraghty, and Alex Corduff all brought national titles back to the club.
The club has also promoted 20 inter county, 22 inter provincial, and three international competitions down through the years. They will keep this proud record up when they host a the second leg of a double header international boxing competition between Ireland and England at the Ramada Hotel Ballina on December 10, which will feature local boxers and Olympic silver medalist Kenny Egan and Westport’s World Youth champion Ray Moylette on the bill. Joe Hennigan who has been involved in the club for the past 36 years (24 of those as president ) will be the Irish team manager for the two contests and through his guidance down through the years the club continues to go from strength to strength.
White collar boxing night
On Friday December 11, the Dalton Inn Claremorris, hosts boxing with a difference. A boxing show with men and women who have never been in a ring before. The competitors have been training hard for eight weeks, four nights a week at Kiltimagh Boxing Club. They are all looking forward to the night. Tickets can be purchased at the Dalton Inn or the Local bar Claremorris. For information call Karl on 085 7393729.
