The Annual Crumlin BC Good Friday show – Irish boxing tradition
It has been a staple of the Irish boxing calendar for a quarter of a century, an event which countless future stars have passed through from all over the island and beyond
It’s the annual Crumlin BC Good Friday show, and this Friday will see the 25th edition of the now-legendary fight night at the pillar of the local community in Crumlin.
The clubhouse may have been refurbished, but it’s the same old Crumlin, with Phil Sutcliffe roaring coded instructions from the corner – “RIGONDEAUX,” “SUGAR RAY,” “BUMBLEBEE” – and Bra Brady leading the sing-songs afterwards
While much of the country shuts down on Good Friday, hundreds flock to Crumlin BC for a marathon session of fighting, music, and dancing.
It’s a mainly underage affair in the ring, with boxing from the Boy age-groups right up, all in front of a massive crowd equivalent to that of a pro small hall show.
While you might not be too familiar with the names yet, it’s a sure bet that at least a few of the boxers on show this weekend will become Irish Senior champions and/or pro fighters in the future.
A quick look at some of the past participants baffles belief, with a who’s who of Irish boxing stars featuring as youngsters over the years.
These include current and recent pros such as Phil Sutcliffe Jr, Jamie Kavanagh, Luke Keeler, Tony Bates, Leon Senior, Tony Senior, Sonny Upton, Declan Geraghty, Anto Connolly, and Jake Hanney.
Then there were amateur stars like Aodh Carlisle, Darren O’Neill, Glen Stephens, John Kinsella, Martin Stokes, Gavin Brown, Clive Smith, Jimmy Upton, Evan Metcalfe, Pat Sharkey, Terry Carlisle, David Conlon, Frankie O’Brien.
From across the water there’s been the likes of Prizefighter winner Glenn Foot and Warren Baister, while current BWAA Trainer of the Year and the youngest head trainer of a world champion ever, Shane McGuigan, featured during his days in the ring.
Before he ruled the octagon, two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor was another who could be found on the old-school shows.
Old-school brother! I Love it!!
Some scraps on them good friday shows 😂😂 https://t.co/aroay8zEm7— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 25, 2016
There’s even been an Olympic champion on a Crumlin Good Friday card, with Katie Taylor wowing the crowds in her younger days.
Some of the past match-ups catch the eye too, with Dean Byrne having fought Patrick Hyland, King of the Call-Out Anto Fitzgerald taking on King of the Redheads Andy O’Neill, and Jake Hanney fighting Phil Sutcliffe Jr.
Who knows who the future stars will be this year’s crop?
Tickets for the event cost €15 and can be bought from Phil Sutcliffe Sr or at the door.
Doors open on Friday at 3:15pm and the show will run until late, with boxing, music, and refreshments.
