THE 10-strong boxing team headed to Paris yesterday ahead of the action getting under way on Saturday – but they aren’t the only Irish representatives who will be stepping between the ropes at the Olympic Games.
Strabane’s Ben McGarrigle has been appointed by the International Olympic Committee’s Boxing Unit as a referee and judge in Paris over the coming weeks.
It is recognition for McGarrigle’s recent performances on the international stage, as he officiated at the final World Olympic qualifier in Bangkok, while he has also built up a bank of top level experience over the past decade.
That has included World Championships, European Championships, Pan-American Championships, Asian Games (also the Asian Olympic qualifier) and the last two Commonwealth Games.
Indeed, the last of those carried a special significance as, during his fighting pomp, McGarrigle was part of the Northern Ireland team that competed at the 1998 Commonwealths in Kuala Lumpar.
Irish Athletic Boxing Association national registrar Stephen Connolly, who previously served on the European Boxing Confederation of Referees and Judges, described McGarrigle’s appointment as “a proud day for Ben, his family and Ireland”.
“Ben is excellent at his job, he’s very diligent in everything he does.
“Through the years he has been at every other major international competition, bar the Olympics, so this is a great honour for him – and well deserved.
“For referees and judges, like the boxers themselves, the Olympic Games is the pinnacle.”
McGarrigle is also a watch commander/Strabane on-call crew commander with the NI Fire & Rescue Service, who offered their congratulations.
“His commitment to both the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and the sport of boxing is truly inspiring.
“This is a fantastic achievement and we wish Ben all the best of luck in Paris.”
