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Irish Boxing People – Dave Murphy


It’s a new year for Irish boxing and Irish-Boxing.com want to start recognising some of the men and women behind the scenes.

You all know the fighters, the coaches, and the promoters – however there’s more to Irish boxing than this.

In a new series – Irish Boxing People – we speak to some of the, perhaps familiar, but lesser known characters involved in the sport on this island.

First up is Dave Murphy.

The Dubliner is involved at all levels of the sport – from coaching kids at Cabra BC, managing welterweight prospect Keane McMahon, to sponsoring the Celtic Clash series and this very website alongside a number of Irish pro fighters.

A full time plumber and owner of Dublin Plumbing and Gas, Murphy became an increasingly prominent figure on the Irish boxing scene in the second half of 2017.

Murphy acted as the main sponsor for Celtic Clash 3 in September and Celtic Clash 4 in December, as well as coming on board as a continuous supporter of Irish-Boxing.com since October.

This support looks set to continue well into 2018, with Murphy remaining with Irish-Boxing.com as well as committing to sponsoring another three Celtic Clash shows.

Celtic Clash co-promoter Leonard Gunning described how “he’s a great guy to have on your side.”

“He’s been a consistent supporter of Irish boxing at all levels – none less than to the Celtic Clash series, and at a time when many businesses are shying away from backing pro boxing. He has seen the value it can provide and it’s been a really good partnership. It’s been very fruitful for both sides.”

“He’s a good boxing man. We’re very happy to have him on board, and he’s not just financially supporting, he also puts his fighter Keane McMahon on our shows as well.”

An ongoing relationship, Gunning explained how “we did the couple of shows last year and we had a chat during the break and came to an agreement. He’s committed, he wanted to get behind us, and he sees the vision we have for Irish boxing and the way we go about business and he’s happy to back that.”

“It says a lot, because it’s alright getting a sponsor for one show, but what you really want is a guy who feels he got good value out of it and that it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

Murphy himself noted how “it was an easy decision to sponsor Boxing Ireland Promotions on a long-term basis.”

“They’re one hundred percent professional and easy to work with. We look forward to a successful year ahead.”

His fighter, ‘The Iceman’ McMahon, finally returns to the ring on Saturday February 17th at the WIT Arena in Waterford on the inaugural Ring Kings card.

Murphy outlined how it is “great to see him back after a lay off due to personal issues.”

“We aim to keep him busy in 2018 and who knows where the journey is going to take us.”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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