Barry’s a knockout at boxing club

There’s not too many people who would venture into the ring with Boxing Legend Barry McGuigan but Lisburn City Councillor Thomas Beckett; Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee did just that when he donned his boxing gloves to welcome the former World Champion to Lisburn’s Canal Street Boxing Club.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Mar 2012, 23:49 BST

Never usually one to be put off by his opponent, the Chairman did confess: “I actually counted to ten before I even got in the ring.”

Barry, who is the Club’s President regularly visits the Club to provide coaching sessions to the young athletes, give advice and be a mentor and Ambassador for boxing across the City.

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Councillor Beckett said that it was his first time he had visited the Club and it was wonderful to have such an inspiring tour guide to show him round the premises.

He also paid tribute to the Coaches, volunteers and young boxers for their hard work and commitment to the young Club.

“The success of this Club is a remarkable achievement given its relatively recent beginnings.

“The Club has already produced two National Champions and with many more rising young stars coming up the ranks the future of this boxing Club looks very strong.

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“The art of boxing is a great skill, crafted over time with much hard work.

“Such success is only possible by the dedication of Coaches, volunteers and the athletes themselves and I am very proud of their achievements,” said Councillor Beckett.

Lisburn City Council, through Sport Lisburn, has already provided a number of grants to aspiring young boxers from the Club to support them at national and international competitions.

Councillor Beckett said that it was great for the boys to meet Barry McGuigan as it wasn’t everyday they could step into the ring with a World Champion.

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“I had a long conversation with Barry and his enthusiasm for the sport and Canal Boxing Club is infectious. He even suggested coming to the Council to make a presentation on behalf of the Club.

“On behalf of the Council, I would be very interested on hearing more from Barry and look forward to welcoming him back to our City in the very near future,” said Councillor Beckett.