Chicago to Ireland

Chicago can be proud of the wonderful group of young boxers who came to Ireland to promote relations with their Irish counterparts in both Cork and Galway last week. I was privileged to be able to attend the tournament in the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill and what a great sporting occasion it was for all. For me it was extra special as our son Patrick, who lives in Chicago, was one of the main organisers of this event. It was his dream originally and he deserves great credit for following through on it and giving these kids the opportunity to raise their sights and to have a look at a world beyond the inner city of Chicago. They were a credit to their city and their behavior both inside and outside the ring was exemplary and won them many friends here in Ireland. A return visit by the Irish team is being planned for March next year and i may even be involved in that myself as i have been asked by the organisers here to lend a hand. That will depend on just how much time i have available but i am sure i will be able to be of some help. It was a wonderful idea from the begining and deserved the great success it achieved. Long may it last.