Ollie
Browne
The Only Kerryman to win a National
Boxing Title
Tralee man, Ollie Browne, holds a very special place in Irish
boxing history. Now in his eighties, Browne's major claim to fame
is that he is the only Kerry man ever to have won a national senior
boxing title. In a most competitive sport, and coming from a county
that does not have a particularly strong boxing tradition, it
wa a truly remarkable achievement on his part, all the more so
because he won the title in his twentieth competitive bout.
His great Irish title victory took place in the national Stadium
and is absolutely convinced that he should have been adjugded
the winner the following year as well. It was a rematch with "Blackman"
Doyle in the national final and Browne says that he "outboxed
the Dublin man in every one ot the three rounds". "It
was wonderful to become the first ever Kerryman to win a national
senior title, but it would have been something else again to have
done it two years in a row."
"I boxed very frequently in Dublin and I loved it" he
said. But there would never be another night to compare with his
senoir bantamweight championship victory of 1939/ 40 and the magnitude
of the achievement is reflected in the fact that he is still the
only Kerry boxer to win an Irish senior title.
Boxing wasn't the only sporting interest of Ollie Browne. He also
became involved in training GAA teams, including the footballers
of Kenmare and the hurlers of Kilgarvan.
Ollie is also involved in the sport of Clay Pigeon Shooting and
has even been part of the Munster team. For the last 45 years,
he has been running his own physiotherapy/Chiropody business from
Tralee.
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Part 1 >> Ollie talks about
his incredible achievement in the National Championships. Ollie's
return to Kerry, and his family and friends. Also, early work
and how he began boxing. Donie Sheehan rings in.
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Part 2 >> Competitive boxing,
local boxing chamcpionships and heroes, Denis P. O' Sullivan
rings in. Ollie talks about clay pigeon shooting, Pat O' Sullivan
rings in.
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Part 3 >> Messages for
Ollie, being the physio for the Kerry team, Tralee & Kenmare,
John O' Regan rings in, modern boxing and Ollie's family.
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