A Champion Through Troubled Times: George Kelly and Irish Boxing History
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A Champion through Troubled Times
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| George Kelly |
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, times 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, the most colourful fighter of the
era, headlined boxing’s first million-dollar gate that July. From that point on
professional boxing was on the rise.
In Dublin, 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 contests staged at the Theatre Royal 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. During
this conflict the Provisional government sought to self-consciously establish
to the world Ireland's readiness for self-government. This took the form of
state terrorism -to uphold central authority and law and order. Yet, as the
world watched anxiously to see whether this fragile new nation would survive,
sport emerged as a powerful tool.
A notable illustration of this can be made through French-Senegalese boxer Louis Phail (better known as Battling Siki). He 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. The French boxing authorities
had, for example, 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 were even
concerns about photographs of such events being in circulation.
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Battling Siki |
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. Siki was matched with Mike McTigue, a County Clare native, who mostly fought out of the U.S.A.
The date for this contest was March 17, 1923, Saint Patrick's Day. There had not been a boxing match of this magnitude in 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 for 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. With a de-escalation in military actions movement around the country
became easier. 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.
Work was underway, by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), to revive the ancient Tailteann Games. They can best be described as Ireland’s version of the Olympics. By June of 1923 the boxing trials for the Games were underway at Portobello Barracks (Cathal Brugha).
By
mid-summer the Irish Army Champion Competitions were held in boxing (with
Tancy Lee, the Lonsdale Belt Holder as instructor) as well as athletics,
football, hurling, golf and other sports.
Professional
boxing was also embraced at Croke Park, the GAA’s headquarters. That June, a
major professional boxing contest took place. It was 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
this stadium.
The
Tailteann Games
The Tailteann Games took place largely at Croke Park during August of 1924. They inspired visions of the Irish mythical hero Lugh Lamh Fada, and evoked nostalgia about a golden age of Irish sports. Yet, 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 events were 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: A
Sport on the Rise:
In this period Amateur clubs like St Tarsicius and St Andrews held regular tournaments at the Queens Theatre or the Recreational Hall, Phoenix Park (Where the Irish Amateur Boxing Association had begun, I.A.B.A). These contests often raised much needed funds for charities like the Herald Booth Fund, which supplied shoes and socks to working children.
By mid-1920 much credit was due to the amateur clubs, universities, the army and Civic Guard/ /An Garda Síochána, who helped animate the sport.
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 Irish 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.’ (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 of 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
received a major boost. Belfast promoter Jim Rice teamed
up with popular Dublin manager Charlie McLoughlin, whose offices stood at 5, 6,
and 7 Upper O’Connell Street, and began promoting events in the capital. This
partnership led to a memorable showdown in August 1926. Dublin’s Bartley
Madden faced, the New Zealander of Irish parentage, Tom Heeney in what was a thrilling contest at Croke Park. The
fight drew an impressive crowd of 10,000 spectators, including both men and
women. It was hailed as a ding-dong genuine fight from start to finish. The
exciting contest injected fresh energy into a boxing scene that had been losing
steam.
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Heeney ''The Hard Rock from Down Under'' |
Kelly's
Rise One of those drawn to the
allure of boxing was George Kelly. By this time, he had become a highly active
amateur whose name regularly appeared in tournament advertisements. He fought
at venues such as Portobello Barracks, which could hold up to 2,000 spectators,
and the Garda Club.
In
December 1926, Kelly participated in the inaugural tournament of the 7th
Brigade, organised to support the Children’s Christmas Tree Fund. According to
the Irish Independent, his contest against Private Medcalf was among the most
noteworthy bouts of the evening. Kelly outpointed his opponent and demonstrated
marked improvement in his performance. His spirited, attacking style soon
thrilled spectators and 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 (it could seat 500
guests). 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 possible in the possession of the Union at this time. Croydon Park
(Clontarf) had also leased by the Union. It held contests during the dark days.
It's boxers, 'did their best to keep up the Union men's credit as fighters.'
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, however, wanted it
reduced by one official. This dispute dragged on but was eventually resolved in
favour of the boxing association.
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. The gold was won by Holland's celebrated featherweight Labertus "Bep" van Klaveren.
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| Frankie Traynor |
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.
Traynor had reached the finals of the bantamweight division. However, the referee disqualified him (for alleged holding) in what was perceived, by the Irish contingent and others, to be a controversial move. The referee’s decision was also unpopular at the Games, and was a matter of discussion by the International Board. In response to Traynor’s dismissal an infuriated Irish Olympic Council claimed that this signalled the last occasion in which boxing would be part of the Games.
For ‘the combination of racial
prejudice and ignorance of the rules seem an inseparable barrier to successful
tournaments’ This was not the last of such incidents during the Olympics
as the British team had similar experiences. 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, secured gold.
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 (middleweight National Amateur title holder
1926, -27-28-29-30-31-32), 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. The Welshman 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 fierce uppercuts coming off a crouching style.
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Gene Tunney |
Gene Tunney was in many respects the celebrity of the Games and he, it was said, ‘displayed a keen interest in the fights.’
The sight of the former heavyweight champion of the world at the Games certainly elevated feelings of national pride and jubilation. Particularly, at the finals of the Tailteann Boxing Championship, at Croke Park.
On that occasion, Kelly was up against L. Clark. He proved to be too sharp and shifty for his opponent. On the closing of the tournament Tunney presented Kelly with a trophy.
After
this success at the Tailteann Games, Kelly appeared at Kingscourt in Cavan. He also 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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