2010 CWG: Northern Ireland boxing team depicts stunning potential
The world might not know them as good runners, swimmers or the weight lifters, but the one sport at which it is impossible to surpass the performance of team Northern Ireland is boxing. Perhaps that is among the very few sports at Delhi Commonwealth Games
in which the country has not only participated, but has left no room for the rivals to outdo them.
Showing the potential of bagging five gold medals in the sport, the performance of North Ireland’s boxers has been sensational in all weight categories. From Paddy Barnes, Paddy Gallagher, Thomas McCarthy, Eamonn O’kane to Steven Ward, all of them seemed
charged up with electrifying energy as none of them stepped back unless their rivals were knocked out from the competition.
At Talkatora Indoor Stadium, the day had been truly remarkable for the Northern Ireland as all of the boxers representing it in the ring qualified for the finals. The potential showed by all of the Irish players has taken the country to an unmatchable tally
of medals in the ring.
While commenting upon the success of the boxers from Northern Ireland, an international media correspondent said that return of Michael Hawkins to the coaching team was perhaps the biggest contributor to the stunning performance of the players. Acknowledging
the skills and knowledge of the Irish coaches, the correspondent further said that Michael Hawkins and Stephen Friel have built a very good team and have inculcated an impressive attitude among other players. He further said that both the renowned coaches
know exactly what they were doing. Appreciating their efforts for the team, he said that both of them remain completely involved in the game when their players are competing in the ring. The way they encourage their boxers during the fights, it was not only
encouraging for the team, it was impressive for the spectators as well. The correspondent concluded his remarks about the Irish coaches by saying that while they were giving tips to their players during the match; it also showed how experienced and knowledgeable
both of them were.
While sharing his views, a spectator of the sport said that if a player hailed from Ireland, he could not help having the sense of pride the country bestowed upon him. He further said that though, to get five boxers into the finals was just fantastic but
it was not at all unexpected from the North Ireland.
Boxing in Northern Ireland has always been considered among the most popular and favourite sports. Having 38 clubs across Antrim, 16 in Armagh, 11 in Fermanagh and 10 in Derry, competition for top places is perhaps the toughest in the Ireland.
Harry Hawkins, the owner of Holy Trinity Boxing Club in West Belfast, when approached by the media, shared that though his club was not the biggest in the area, still he had around 100 boys being trained at his club. He further said that the boxers at his
club aged from 11 years to 30 years. Upon a casual visit at any time of the day, he said further, at least 60 boxers could be observed practicing and getting trained at his club. He further said that all of the boys registered with his club were rather competitive
in their boxing. “Every year we get host of applications for registration from young boys, but since we do not have enough man power to coach them all, we have to turn most of the requests down”, said the famous club owner.
Harry Hawkins, the brother of the renowned boxing coach of Northern Ireland Michael Hawkins further said that the sport of boxing was all about discipline. As during the play the athletes had to use every single muscle, the game was fantastic for keeping
fit; however, it was also all about discipline. Concluding his remarks he further said that the kids could get rid of their aggression while punching upon the bags, but it was all controlled aggression, as no one saw the members getting into any trouble, this
made them enjoy every minute of the game.
Tags: