Legendary Mayo boxing figure steps back after years of dedicated service to sport

CASTLEBAR Boxing Club has announced the end of an era.

Sean Horkan, a legendary figure in local, national and international boxing circles, has attended his last meeting with his home club.

Sean (91) has been an inspirational figure for many boxers over many years of dedicated service, a man of vision and commitment, whose legacy will not be surpassed.

Castlebar Boxing Club, in announcing his final meeting, extended a big 'thank you' to Sean 'for all you have done, for Castlebar Boxing Club and for boxing all over the world', and wishing him health and happiness as he takes a well deserved break.

A very well known personality in boxing in general, the club set out Sean's impressive CV as manager of the Irish team at the European Boxing Championships in Budapest in 1987, an official judge for Irish teams to Germany, USA, Sweden, Holland and many more, and most famously as the manager of the Irish boxing team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where Ireland won gold and silver medals, Michael Carruth achieving gold and Wayne McCullogh silver, and helped on by coach Nicolis Cruz Hernandez.

A profile of Sean listed more of his achievements - in the ring and outside it - over the years:

Senior figure Castlebar Boxing Club, 1990s.

First Castlebar boxer to win a national title.

National junior light-heavyweight champion, 1956.

Senior Irish international v Germany on three occasions, 1958; v Scotland, 1958.

Hon. Sec. Castlebar Boxing Club and Connaught Council, 1960s.

President of Connaught Council, 1960s.

International boxing judge on World Board Judges panel.

Manager of Irish international teams on many occasions abroad.

Manager of Irish boxing team in Barcelona Olympics, 1992 (won 1 gold, 1 silver medal).

Active club member since 1952.

Elected as member of National Executive IABA since 1970s.

Elected national treasurer IABA in 1998.

Responsible for French team coming to Castlebar.