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Boxing
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Ireland U21 Team's USA visit
Mayo venue for Irish Squad
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Ireland U21 Team's USA visit
Mayo amateur boxing personnel led a very successful visit of Ireland's U21 team to the New England counties of USA where in a Sports Warrior Tour competition with the Native American team, Ireland won all 3 events.
The Native American Indian Nation, a new grouping in the USA Olympic movement, had liaised with Sean Horkan Castlebar, National Treasurer Irish Amateur Boxing Association to lead a Irish team of young amateur boxers for an Olympic Style Boxing Tour of Connecticut, New Hampshire and Mashantucket. This followed the Irish visit to the Indian owned Foxwoods Resort Casino 18 months ago.
Other Mayo personnel joining Horkan on this tour were Henry Coyle Geesala, Lt. Middle weight, Fiona Hennegan, Ardnaree Club, Team Judge and Eamon Horkan Castlebar.
A major consideration in the development of this Irish/American friendship was the awareness in the Native American Sports Council of the American Indian connection from Irish Famine time with the west of Ireland when the Choctaw Indian Tribe made a large financial contribution to Irish famine relief.
The Native American team, with members from all regions, as far apart from Canada, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado are all looking forward to the return visit to Ireland later this year where a tournament in a Mayo venue is planned.
The first match was held on the 19th March at Foxwoods Casino Complex the worlds largest casino, owned by the Pequot Indians who hosted the Irish visit.
The second match was at the Boston Matthews Arena of Northeastern University where New England boxers were incorporated into the USA team. This evening was a fundraising event “Fight to Educate” held by Northeastern University graduates to support an education support programme.
After taking part in the Manchester New Hampshire St Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday 24th March and the Ice Hockey Championship game that night, the Irish Boxing Team had their 3rd match the following evening, Monday 25th, at the same 8,000 seat ice hockey arena where The Hundred Club of New Hampshire held this Charity Boxing Event.
The Irish squad had nothing to learn from USA boxing inside the ring but were unanimous in conceding that in promoting events; hosting Charity Boxing evenings and looking after their visitors we have a lot to learn.
The young team members, from both Nations during exchanged views on history, culture and much of their team interests during the tour, the highlight of the trip was the reception for both teams at the Varsity Club, for a Northeastern University Pre-Event Reception where all team members each introduced themselves talked about club, culture, tradition and there involvement in Olympic Style Sport of Amateur Boxing.
Sean Horkan, Team Administrator.
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Mayo Venue for National Boxing Training Camp.
The Irish senior boxing squad have settled in well to their training camp in Westport in preparation for the 4 Nation International Championships in Killarney from 22nd to 24th April, when Ireland will host in competition, teams from England, Scotland and Wales.
The facilities in Westport were identified by Sean Horkan Castlebar, National Treasurer of Irish Amateur Boxing Association as suitable for sports training camp where National Coaching panel and the Irish team can prepare for International competition. The fine gymnasium facilities at St Anne’s Boxing Club and the first class accommodation and care at Castle court Hotel made Westport ideal for the competition preparation of a training camp.
Last season Westport was the training camp location for the National Junior squad in preparation for the European Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and also for the National senior squad for the first 4 Nation Championships held in Liverpool, July 2001.
Mayo coaches and boxers are availing of the opportunity to prepare with the National squad and gain some wonderful experience. Henry Coyle, Geesala, and Thomas Lee, Oughterard, are training and sparing with the senior team and the Mayo club coaches are assisting with the training programme.
Mayo President Joe Hennighan is Team Manager of the training camp and Peter Mullen Westport is a member of the coaching team.
The Irish squad and officials will remain in Westport until their move direct to Killarney for the 4 Nation Competition.
Sean Horkan National Treasurer IABA.
© Copyright 2006 by the author(s)/photographer(s) and www.castlebar.ie
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