AMATEUR boxing is mourning the passing of one its most loved and colourful
characters, veteran coach terry McCafferty. the 71-year-old Belfast man passed away in hospital on Monday night after a short illness. terry's brother Sean, who represented Ireland at the 1964 tokyo olympics, recalled with great affection a man who had helped so many young lads forge a career in the sport. "terry will be remembered for his dedication and experience as a trainer and coach with St John Bosco ABC,'' he said. "Without him and his like there would be no St John Bosco club today.''
Glengormley and Antrim board secretary Malachy Scott said terry was a highly-respected coach at the respected school of boxing, and a gentleman who had given his life to the sport. "I know that everyone who knew terry will be deeply saddened by his death. He was with us in Glengormley for four or five years, it's a great loss to his family and to boxing,'' he said. terry's affiliation with boxing began when, aged 10, he joined the St John Bosco ABC in Belfast in 1952. the famous Bosco club has moved many times since, but back then it was located at Lancaster Street and Alexander Street.
"It didn't take him long to make a name for himself in boxing winning Down and Connor and Ulster Championships at all levels,'' said Sean.
"After retiring from boxing he excelled himself as a trainer and dedicated coach at Bosco. "He was a great character. one of his famous sayings about the club, was: 'put out, burned-out, lockedout, but always able to get St John Bosco on its feet again.'" McCafferty was also heavily involved in the formation of boxing's trainers' Guild and was chairperson of the Northern Ireland ex-Boxers' Association. "He really loved the sport and now that the final bell has rung, I'm sure he is up above with all his friends in boxing,'' said Sean. "there will be some craic and debates still going on. "terry will always be sadly missed by the boxing fraternity. St John Bosco look after him, what a guy.'' Antrim secretary Scott echoed those sentiments. "He loved boxing, a real character,'' he said. "He was a coach of the old school, he gave us a great help. "We have an Antrim board meeting in Belfast tonight and I know everyone will be saddened by the news of terry's passing. "Boxing has lost one of its most colourful characters, it's a great loss.'' on behalf of the Seconds Out boxing column, I extend deepest sympathy to the McCafferty family circle.
TH