Bench unveiled for boxing legend Bernard
QUITE a few hilarious stories from gyms and boxing rings around the country were recalled at Bellefield recently as a crowd gathered for the official unveiling of a new commemorative bench in memory of boxing legend Bernard Dunne.
The man from St Aidan’s Villas carried a massive reputation in the sport and his name is one that is spoken with reverence in boxing circles around the country.
A driving force for boxing in Co Wexford, Bernard was renowned as a boxer in his own right, a referee and perhaps most of all as a coach. It was therefore fitting that, on a sunny day in Enniscorthy, one of his finest protégés, Jim O’Sullivan, recounted some tales from the glory days in front of a fascinated crowd.
Speaking fondly of his old mentor, Jim recalled all of the times where Bernard would fill his car with young boxers and take them off to the National Stadium in Dublin where they’d battle it out for county, provincial and national honours.
He fondly recalled all the happy times spent around boxing gyms and rings and the great camaraderie they shared.
He thanked Enniscorthy Municipal District for making the bench available to the townspeople, particularly District Manager Liz Hore, and said it was a fitting tribute for a man who was always a great representative for the town.
Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Willie Kavanagh described Bernard as being ‘ truly dedicated to the sport’.
‘His legacy,’ he continued, ‘was displayed most prominently here in Enniscorthy through his leadership and mentoring of many of the young people that came to the club.’
‘He instilled in them a belief in their own ability and through the discipline of training and hard work that they could reach their true potential.’
It was also noted that Bernard had been an employee of Wexford County Council himself, starting out as an apprentice, aged 16, and finishing up as a workshop foreman after 48 years of service.
‘He was a very popular person with his fellow workers and made many friends during his long tenure with the Council,’ Cllr Kavanagh noted.
CEO of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) Fergal Carruth also made the journey from Dublin to be present at the unveiling of the bench and once again noted the Enniscorthy man’s outstanding contribution to the sport and the wonderful friendship he had provided him with over the years.
Bernard’s daughter Bernie also recalled some typically hilarious stories of her father and spoke of what a great honour it was for the family to see the bench unveiled in his beloved hometown.
She wished to thank everyone at the council for making it happen and everyone who turned up on the day to remember a true legend of Enniscorthy.