WORLD CHAMPIONS Barry McGuigan and Bernard Dunne have joined two boxing clubs to help celebrate a cross-community initiative between republican west Belfast and a loyalist estate in south Antrim.
They were present for the official unveiling of two large murals depicting local boxing heroes, one in Turf Lodge and the other nine miles away in Monkstown. The works of art were created under the Re-Imaging Communities Project, an arts-led community regeneration programme linked to the Stormont Shared Future policy. Under the scheme, many former conflict-themed murals have been replaced by new images. The two clubs, despite their strikingly different backgrounds, have had a positive and fruitful relationship for some years. Yesterday’s joint ceremony began in Monkstown and was attended by members from Holy Trinity club in Turf Lodge, and concluded at the west Belfast club a short time later.
Róisín McDonough, chief executive of the North’s Arts Council said: “This project enabled the young members of both clubs to work together and celebrate their culture, particularly the powerful role that boxing has played, by becoming involved in and enjoying the arts.”
Billy Snoddy, chairman of the Monkstown boxing club, said the scheme enhanced the strong partnership established with Holy Trinity and “developed and enriched the lives of young people from disadvantaged communities through the medium of sport”.
Barry McGuigan commended Tom Hawkins of Holy Trinity and Paul Johnston from Monkstown for a “lifetime of commitment” which had given so many children a better future.
Addressing an audience which included former Ulster champion, now Assembly member Alex Maskey, Ireland’s newest world champion Bernard Dunne spoke of the sense of hope and opportunity which boxing clubs offered to young people.