Dunfanaghy boxing coach Eddie Harkin honoured by Ulster Council

Long-standing Dunfanaghy boxing coach Eddie Harkin was honoured for his services to the sport on Thursday night.

The Ulster Boxing Council made a special presentation to the experienced Dunfanaghy Boxing Club coach at the Ulster Elite finals.

The finals were held before a capacity crowd at the Guildhall in Derry.

Harkin has been the head coach at the Dunfanaghy Boxing Club for over 40 years.
He has been assisted by Joe Harkin, Martin McDonagh, Gary McBride and Eamonn Harkin over the years, but Eddie remains the heartbeat of the club.
Dunfanaghy ABC has won 30 Irish titles and Harkin has been in the corner for most of those triumphs.

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Josie Gallagher was Dunfanaghy Boxing Club's first Irish champion in 1984 when he landed the under-19 heavyweight title.

The 'Ards Assassin' Anthony McFadden won two Irish titles, a junior and an intermediate – both at light-middleweight - and was beaten in two Irish senior finals before turning to the paid ranks and retiring unbeaten after 11 professional contests.

Gerard Gallagher landed four Irish titles, in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.

Michael Gallagher, Brian Ferry, Christy Boyle and Joe Harkin all won multiple Irish titles.

The Ulster Council had also planned to honour Jason Quigley, William McLaughlin and Danny Ryan on Thursday night, but these presentations will now be made in the new year.

Meanwhile, Letterkenny Boxing Club's Paddy McShane landed the Ulster Elite 57kgs crown via a walkover.

McShane defeated St Joseph's Tiarnan Glennon on a 3-2 split decision in a special contest at the Guildhall.

However, there was no joy for Illies Golden Gloves' Cahir Gormley, who lost out on a 3-2 split to Holy Trinity's Barry McReynolds in the 67kgs decider.