Stars of boxing say farewell to a coach who changed many lives
SHEFFIELD SAID farewell to Brendan Ingle yesterday in an emotional service at the city’s cathedral.
Dozens of figures attended from the boxing world, including former world champions Johnny Nelson, Ricky Hatton and Kell Brook and long-serving promoter Frank Warren.
They were joined outside Sheffield Cathedral by hundreds of people as tributes to the Irishman, who died last month at the age of 77, came from his family and those who he had worked with in the Yorkshire city over the last 50 years.
After his daughter Bridget read out a poem by Henry Van Dyke, former BBC Radio Sheffield sports presenter Robert Jackson paid tribute to what he called the “sheer humanity of the man”.
“He would always find time for the most awkward children and adults in the hope their situation would improve – and it did,” said Mr Jackson.
“That is why so many of them are here today. They knew that a kindred spirit would nurture them, bringing discipline and joy into so many lives.” Keith Darlow from the National Association of Boys’ Clubs said Brendan could mix with the great and the good – as well as less salubrious characters. “He broadened horizons for youngsters, many of whom had never been out of Sheffield,” he said.
He also thanked Mr Ingle’s widow, Alma, saying it was her “constant support and long-suffering forbearance” that had made her husband’s achievements possible.
Born in Dublin but adopted by Yorkshire, Mr Ingle became one of boxing’s most influential figures. He trained four world champions, including Naseem Hamed and Johnny Nelson, and the gym he founded in Wincobank, Sheffield, became a beacon for young talent.
Mr Ingle died at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital having suffered a brain haemorrhage on May 25.