A Champion Through Troubled Times: George Kelly and Irish Boxing History
George Kelly was born in Dublin in 1908. As a boy he joined the North City Boxing Club, at number 14 North Great George’s Street. This was where he established himself as an outstanding amateur. He fought numerous contests; his name being displayed on several boxing bills in Dublin and other counties.
He became Irish amateur champion at featherweight in 1927 and was also recognised as the flyweight champion of Ireland. He competed at featherweight in the Tailteann Games and at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam.
Subsequently, he moved up to lightweight and turned professional at the end of 1928. His professional career lasted until 1938. During which time, he won the Boxing Union of Ireland Irish Lightweight title in both 1934 and 1935. He fought nearly 100 professional bouts in Ireland and Britain, finishing with a record of 54 wins (7 by knockout), 22 losses, and 10 draws.
This article charts his life and career, endeavouring to breathe new life into this forgotten battler.
Amateur and Professional Boxing During the Troubled 1920s
In July of 1921, the War of Independence ended. In September, five Irish delegates left for London to discuss proposals that might bring about independence for Ireland. In the United States, Jack Dempsey headlined boxing’s first million-dollar boxing gate in July of 1921, and professional boxing from that point was on the rise. At home, an open-air boxing contest was staged at Croke Park. It was announced that a further boxing show was set for the Theatre Royal in October, at which the great British boxers Joe Beckett and ''Peerless'' Jim Driscoll would exhibit.
These events did not occur in a vacuum and carried a clear political context. During the War of Independence, the Irish Republican Prisoners’ Dependants’ Fund provided financial support to the families of republican prisoners and volunteers. Groups such as Cumann na mBan organised large public fetes to raise money. The largest of which was held at Shelbourne Park in Dublin. The boxing staged at the Theatre Royal event was also part of this development. The fact that two of Britain's most famous boxers (both of Irish heritage) were present offers some indication of the complexities of national identity and sport.
By the spring of 1922 it was noted that amateur boxing continued to gain in popularity in Ireland and the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) noted that new clubs and universities had come on board.
Boxing Through the Civil War
The state faced deep instability right from its founding. Opposition to the Anglo-Irish Treaty, by that summer, plunged the country into civil war. As the world watched anxiously to see whether this fragile new nation would survive, sport emerged as a powerful tool. The most notable illustration of this can be made through a French-Senegalese boxer Louis Phail (better known as Battling Siki).
Siki had become light-heavyweight champion of the world after defeating the celebrated Frenchman Georges Carpentier in Paris in September of 1922. Afterwards, however, Siki’s manager failed to stage a title defence due to legal restrictions and racial prejudice. For instance, the French boxing authorities had refused to allow Siki to box in that country. He had hoped to meet Joe Beckett in England in 1922. Yet, the Home Office opposed it.
There appeared to be a fear that black and white boxing matches would upset the British Empire, ‘with its vast coloured population in all parts of the world.’ There was even a concern that photographs of such contests were going into circulation. Citing racial violence after Johnson v. Burns, and the banned Johnson Wells match in 1911, The Times noted that, …’to allow them to take place on English soil would, in these days, be an act of suicidal folly, and the action of the Home Office in this particular case will meet, we are convinced, with the warm approval of the general public.’
Big Boxing Comes to Dublin
With limited chances of securing a match in England, Siki’s manager sought a way for him to fight in troubled Ireland -against County Clare native heavyweight Mike McTigue (who mostly fought out of the U.S.A) at Dublin on March 17, 1923, Saint Patrick's Day.
There had not been a contest of this magnitude in the Dublin city since Tommy Burns made short work of the Irish champion Jem Roche at the Theatre Royal on March 17, 1908. This time, however, the added menace of the Irish Civil War (1922-1923) was present.
It took some courage for both men to meet, at the La Scala on Princes’ Street, in the heart of the troubled city.[1] 'McTigue got the referee’s nod after 20 rounds and the light-heavyweight world title.' On exiting the venue sports fans could hear a sharp outburst of gunfire, and a landmine had exploded close to the nearby Pillar Picture House.
The event, nonetheless, was viewed as a success as it depicted the fledgling state in a favourable light internationally. This, however, was not simply a win for the government or Mike McTigue, but a boost to young boxers who envisaged their own sporting glory. By May of 1923 when the anti-treaty forces declared a ceasefire, the civil war ended. This encouraged the general public, promoters and others that sport could once more flourish. In fact, sport would play a central role in the life of the new Irish Free State.
While Gaelic Games were the main focus, other sports such as cycling and boxing also gained popularity, even though many viewed boxing as a traditionally British pursuit. In June 1923, trials for the Tailteann Games were held at Portobello Barracks. What could be described as Ireland’s version of the Olympics, the Tailteann Games were organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
Professional boxing was also embraced at Croke Park, the GAA’s headquarters. In June of that year, a major professional bout took place there, headlined by Len Johnson — billed as Britain’s coloured middleweight champion — against Jack Phoenix of BlackRock, who fought mainly in England. On that occasion, Johnson was declared the winner. A month later, another professional contest was staged at the GAA stadium.
The Tailteann Games
Next came the Tailteann Games which took place largely at Croke Park during August of 1924. The Games inspired visions of the Irish mythical hero Lugh Lamh Fada, yet, they existed as a paradox to the overcrowding, disease and poverty concentrated in Kelly’s north inner city. The Games struggled to obtain universal support in the aftermath of a bloody civil war. The programme was good for amateur sports, nonetheless. The Tailteann Amateur Boxing Finals, which transpired at the La Scala theatre, it could be argued, uplifted amateur boxing and endeared some boxers to the general public.
Boxing Post-Conflict
By the mid-1920s much credit is due to the amateur clubs, universities, the army and the Civic Guard/An Garda Síochána, who helped animate the sport.
Members of the Garda Boxing Club, for example, were worthy winners against the Scottish police boxing team in their first tournament at Glasgow. The guards later performed well at the European Police Championships. Another significant contributor to the popularisation and development of the sport was the Irish defence forces. They made up the basis of the national team that represented Ireland at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Although the team did not secure any medals, their performance was highly creditable. In particular, boxers such as Sergeant Dwyer demonstrated exceptional resilience, continuing to fight to the final bell despite sustaining a severe gash to his forehead. Indeed, Dwyer received a more enthusiastic standing ovation from the crowd than his opponent, the Argentinian champion Mendez.
Old clubs like The Gate Club (James Gate) and more recent clubs like St Andrews (1922) held regular tournaments. New clubs also emerged. For example, the Grocer’s Assistants Athletic Club became affiliated with the IABA. On the opening night of that club, it was noted that a large number of enthusiasts presented themselves. And that, ‘every component of modern gymnasium equipment has been installed in an ideal hall at the rear of the Banba Hall Parnell Square.’ (a Trade Union Hall). The Phoenix Club set up by Mr. J. Wright held its inaugural contest at the Civic Guards recreational Hall Depot Phoenix Park, in September of 1925.
By August 1926, the Evening Herald could boast that, ‘boxing clubs have sprung up and flourished all around Dublin. The epidemic has spread, and its beneficial results are to be seen in every village’
Professional boxing was boosted by Belfast promoter Jim Rice, who began to venture in Dublin in conjunction with popular manager Charlie McLoughlin, who had offices at 5, 6 and 7 Upper O’Connell Street. This resulted in an August of 1926 showdown between Bartley Madden of Dublin and New Zealand’s Tom Heeney at Croke Park. This event attracted 10,000 spectators of both sexes. And was described as a, ‘ding-dong genuine fight from start to finish.’ And one that brought new energy to a wavering boxing scene.
Kelly’s Rise
One of those who was caught up in the allure of boxing was George Kelly. By this time, he was a very active amateur, and his name frequently featured in tournament advertisements, and appeared at Portobello Barracks, which was said could accommodate 2,000 spectators, and the Garda Club. In December of 1926 at the 7th brigades first tournament in aid of the children’s Christmas tree fund. One of the best contests yet, noted the Irish Independent, was between civilian Kelly and Pte. Medcalf. Kelly, it was said, outpointed his opponent, and showed marked improvement. Soon, his spirited boxing style thrilled onlookers and this made him increasingly popular with the Dublin crowd.
At the Queens Theatre in April of 1927, for example, he applied dashing and varied methods to overcome McDonagh, the Irish fly and Army bantam champion. In the final rounds he exploited forcing tactics to subdue his opponent. Around this time, fighting as a bantam weight and recognised as the Irish flyweight champion, he also defeated J Donnelly of St Andrews BC at the Irish Amateur Boxing Championship.
After this, he engaged in a number of contests against rival clubs like Unity BC.
The Unity Club was based in the head office of the Workers Union of Ireland (Unity Hall 31 Marlborough Street), where the Union noted ‘the working class could enjoy themselves.’ An indication of the close links between sport and labour. Kelly would face Unity boxer C. O’Brien, at the Foresters Hall Langrishe Place, off Summerhill. A site closely associated with labour leader Jim Larkin during the 1913 Lockout. Kelly also boxed at Unity Park (most likely Ellenfield Park, Whitehall). This park was most likely in the possession of the union at this time.
Becoming a Popular Hero with the Sporting Public
The Kelly vs. O’ Brien bout excited spectators, as the boys fought ‘from gong to gong’; their exchanges fast and exciting. It was remarked that it was Kelly’s experience that told in the end. Kelly also appeared at the Lyric Theatre, Limerick. His opponent, J. McInerny, although heavier, ‘was unable to land on his agile opponent.’ Kelly, ‘excited the crowd with his cleverness and skill in evading.’ It was around this time that he went from flyweight to featherweight, and would soon be featherweight champion.
In January of 1928 the Irish team scored a narrow victory over the English team at Portobello, with Kelly facing L Douglas the North of England bantam champion. Kelly it was noted was our flyweight champion but had gained in weight and strength. Kelly was the aggressor from the start scoring smartly with lefts to the head and rights to the body. Despite this success, he was still developing as a boxer. He began training at St Tarsicius, and was chosen, not long after his twentieth birthday, to be part of a squad that would meet Denmark at Dalymount Park in June of 1928. He was the youngest boxer in that squad, and he faced a very experienced Borge Andersen, who was referred to at the time as Denmark’s Olympic representative. This tournament was a great victory for Kelly and the Irish squad, who dominated in every contest. With the Irish flyweight Myles McDonagh knocking out the highly ranked Knud Jorgensen.
It appeared that Ireland would have more than a fighting chance at the Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. Kelly was the Irish national champion who had not only defeated the Danish featherweight, but his Scottish and English opponents including Sheldon of Shipley twice, the Scottish runner up in the A.B.A at Portobello Barracks. Kelly had not only proven himself a crowd pleaser, but one of the most talented boxers in the country. It appeared certain that he would be part of the Olympic squad.
The Olympics and Tailteann Games
Kelly might be described as a pressure fighter, yet, he had a high boxing IQ and could modify his style when required. When he faced Sheldon of Shipley at the Depot Hall, for example, Kelly, after some initial exchanges, was careful not to mix it with Sheldon. He instead, ‘settled down to more sober tactics.’ The Olympics were approaching though there was a dispute between the IABA and the Irish Olympic council as the boxing association wished to send eight boxers, one trainer and two officials to the games. The council wished that it would be reduced by one official. This dispute dragged on but was eventually resolved in favour of the boxing association.
Kelly was chosen to represent the Free State at the Olympics. The team included, Willie O’Shea (A.A.A.), lightweight, Bantamweight: Frankie Traynor (St Pauls), Flyweight: Myles McDonagh (Army) Welterweight: PJ Lenihan (St James) Middleweight: Jack Chase (Garda), Light-heavyweight: WJ Murphy (Garda). Heavyweight: M Flanagan (Garda).
Kelly vs. Madsen
The Olympic boxing contests transpired between August 7th to August 12th. Kelly was up early against Ricardt Madsen of Denmark. This would prove one of Kelly’s toughest engagements. In the first-round Madsen applied his great strength to bustle the Irish boy. Boring in at close quarters, and hammering at Kelly’s body, while restricting Kelly’s counters. In the second, Kelly fought his man off. But did not have enough steam behind his blows to do it determinedly. By the closing of the round Kelly had found his stride, while the Dane tired. However, it was too little as Kelly was behind on points.
Olympic Troubles
Kelly’s team mate Frankie Traynor was a fine bantamweight who, while representing St Paul’s Boxing Club, held the Irish title in 1926, 1927 and 1928.
At the
bantamweight final of the Olympics, he reached the finals. However, the referee
disqualified Traynor (for alleged holding) in what the Irish contingent
perceived to be a controversial move. The decision was said to have been
unpopular at the Games, and was a matter of discussion by the International
Board. This was not the last of such incidents during the Olympics for the
British team had similar experiences.
In response to Traynor’s dismissal the Irish Olympic Council appeared to be infuriated. They claimed that this would be the last occasion in which boxing would be part of the games as, ‘the combination of racial prejudice and ignorance of the rules seem an inseparable barrier to successful tournaments’ Though this story was soon overshadowed by a more jubilant one as champion hammer thrower Pat O'Callaghan, the first to raise the flag for his country at the Olympics, brought the gold home.
The Tailteann Games
After this, Kelly competed in the second modern Tailteann Games. This event was not without its controversies either. The British Amateur Boxing Association had asked that its members not take part in the games. Their reasons are not clear, only that perhaps the two Olympics were held so close together. This could have resulted in a serious rift between the Irish and British associations. With their suggestions on the Irish side that our boxers should refuse to take part in British tournaments. The decision to restrict British boxers’ participation in the games, however, was reversed. There was also disappointment for the Irish squad as well, as Jake Chase, who received a bad gash over his eye at the Amsterdam, was put out of the running for the middle-weight competition.
Let the Games Begin
The Tailteann Games opened in August with a display of gymnastics by the Artane boys and a football contest between Leinster and Ulster. Nine nations competed in the boxing tournament at Croke Park. Later, Kelly faced Fred Perry, the Welsh Champion who represented Great Britain at Amsterdam and did remarkably well. Perry was described by Irish critics as 'the principal foreign competitor' in the featherweight division’ Nonetheless Kelly employed ‘lightning attacks’, ‘one two punches, and ‘quick shifting and side-stepping’ to disturb Perry’s uppercuts coming off a crouching style.
On request of Irish tenor Count John McCormack, who was the friend of a number of boxers, Gene Tunney the world heavyweight title holder from 1926 to 1928, and the American light heavyweight title twice between 1922 and 1923, attended the games.
Gene Tunney was in many respects the celebrity of the Games and he it was said that he ‘displayed a keen interest in the fights.’ At the finals of the Tailteann Boxing Championship, Croke Park Kelly was up against L. Clark. And Kelly proved to be too sharp and shifty for his opponent. Tunney presented Kelly with a trophy at the closing of the tournament.
After this success at the Tailteann Games, Kelly appeared at Kingscourt in Cavan and defeated L. Douglas, the North of England champion, at Portobello Barracks. Kelly was described as 'the aggressor from the start,' scoring smartly with straight lefts to the head and right hooks to the body.'
In a separate contest organised by St. Paul’s B.C. at the Recreational Hall in Portobello, Kelly (the flyweight champion) faced F. Traynor, the Irish bantamweight champion. Traynor was cool, clever, and effective, but Kelly proved a shade quicker with more finish behind his blows. The contest was awarded to Kelly. The 'Tailteann champion' also faced a North City Club member named McCullagh in a tournament staged by the O’ Donahue Club (under the auspices of the A.I.B.A) at the Rotunda. A venue that had a capacity for 400 spectators.
Part 2.
Kelly Turns Professional
[1] The La Scala was a fine auditorium which had three tiers of private boxes and two cantilevered galleries theatre lounges that could seat fourteen hundred spectators.
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