JON McConnell turned in a superb display of controlled boxing to deny Cairn Lodge’s Gianni Richmond and put the seal on a unique event for the Holy Trinity club in west Belfast.
In a first-ever for the club, the entire 10-bout show was broadcast live on YouTube, after the Turf Lodge club teamed up with enterprising outside broadcast company, Mobile Media.
Light-middle McConnell peppered Richmond with stinging shots as the Cairn Lodge lad bravely pushed forward, but referee Barry Tucker stepped in midway through the second, his third eight count bringing an end to an excellent bout.
“That’s my first time ever boxing on a club show here after six or seven years,” said the 21-year-old.
“The 2026 Commonwealth Games is the long-term aim; short-term, just keep getting better.”
On commentary duties at ringside was Damien Denny.
The former Holy Trinity and Ireland star was fulsome in his praise of McConnell’s “great combinations, starting off to the body and switching quickly to the head”.
“There was good movement from both boxers and despite some accurate shots from McConnell his opponent was not deterred, wanting to continue, he didn’t go down and he wanted to continue too,” said Denny.
“McConnell has a touch of class, fantastic to watch, and good hand speed. This was my first time seeing him. I’m very impressed. In fact it’s an honour to be sitting here watching such a great night’s boxing.
“The standard overall was terrific.”
Holy Trinity took the match result 7-3 on what was a special night for young Michael McGarry, who lifted Best Boxer award, bringing with it a special prize of kit and boots from sports manufacturer Yammy.
The teenager went on to cap a tremendous week when the St Mary’s student was nominated at left-corner forward in the year eight Antrim hurling Allstar list.
Mobile Media executive Paul Heaney added: “What an unbelievable night we had at Holy Trinity - 10 quality fights and an electric atmosphere.
“Kids got to see themselves box ‘on tv’ and families got to share in the excitement. We were so well received and treated by Holy Trinity and we want to thank them for their hospitality.
“It’s unfair to single anyone out with so many doing so much, but special thanks to Michael Hawkins jr for everything. We look forward to the next one and can’t wait.
“Until then, from the crew, thanks again.” Michael Hawkins jr summed up a special evening.
“Huge thanks to everyone who came and showed your support and also to everyone who watched on our YouTube channel. A big shoutout to all the travelling clubs and to the Antrim board officials who did a fabulous job.
“Also, thanks to Mobile Media and their crew, our MC Eamonn McNamee, commentators Damien Denny and Jonny Martin and Dr Kevin O’Neill at ringside.
“And last but not least to all the boxers, parents and coaches and to everyone who made the show such a success. We thank you all.”
Results (HT names first)
Boy 1: 29kg: Conor McGarry bt Martin Doherty (Glengormley)
Boy 1: 50kg: Shay Murray lost Roman Berki (St Paul’s)
Boy 2: 52kg: Joseph Scott lost Thomas Healy (St Agnes’s)
Boy 2: 32kg: Michael McGarry bt Alex Barr (St Paul’s)
Boy 2: 37kg: Sean Tomozei bt Ben McKeown (All Saints)
Junior: 42kg: Sean Fryers lost Harry Hassin (St John Bosco)
Youth: 75kg: Joe Mallon bt Kai Douglas (St John Bosco)
Senior: 71kg: Barney Purcell bt Caolan Smith (All Blacks)
Youth: 75kg: Jude Molyneaux bt Philip Rooney (Sacred Heart) Elite:
71kg: Jon McConnell bt Gianni Richmond (Cairn Lodge)
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TRIBUTE PAID TO CLUB STALWART ROONEY
HOLY Trinity have paid tribute to clubman Leo Rooney, who passed away on Friday and will be laid to rest at St Mattherw’s Church, Short Strand on Tuesday morning.
“We are so sorry to hear of the passing of a real character and true boxing man, our great friend and clubman down the years, Leo Rooney,” said Holy Trinity coach Michael Hawkins sr.
“We had many great times with Leo, a much-loved uncle of our champion Damaen Kelly and a man who, despite his own health problems, would go the extra mile to help Dee in his career.
“Amateur and professional fight nights, Leo was there, home and away, a fair judge too on decisions and fighters alike. He will be greatly missed by all at the club.”
