MAY 2009
www.celtic-connection.com
Page 27
Bernard Dunne Captures
Ireland's First World Boxing Title in 13 Years
By MARK TRAYNOR
BERNARD DUNNE became WBA Super Bantamweight champion on March 21 by knocking out Panama's Ricardo Cordoba.
IRISHMAN Bernard Dunne became WBA Super Bantamweight champion on March 21 by knocking out Panama's Ricardo Cordoba in one of the greatest fights ever held on Irish soil.
In what can only be described as an explosive battle of will and skill, Dunne (28-1) knocked down Cordoba (34-2-2) in the third round, with the Dubliner succumbing to the canvas himself twice in the fifth.
CALGARY CHIEFTAINS GAATeam, winners of the Denis Walsh Memorial Trophy in 2008
Calgary Chieftains preparing for an action packed season
By ADRIAN LAGAN
CALGARY - The Calgary Chieftains GAA club is preparing for another action packed season that includes both the Alberta and Western Division Championships.
This season commences with our own Battle of Alberta for the Denis Walsh Memorial Cup. The Chieftains will once again launch an assault against arch rivals the Edmonton Wolfe Tones, and the recently formed Eire Og team from Red Deer.
Calgary will host round one of the Championship at the Calgary Irish Rugby Grounds on May 23.
As always the Western Division Championship matches are the most anticipated of our season and this year will prove especially challenging as we contend with an
additional team from Vancouver.
The first round of the WDC is scheduled for June 27 and 28 in Vancouver, and the finals will be held in Edmonton on July 25 and 26.
If you are looking for a new team sport that is fast skilled, highly enjoyable and you like to win, then the Chieftains are the team for you.
The club is on the lookout for some fresh new faces that are up for a challenge and a bit of good old fashion craic.
Training has just begun for our men's and ladies teams and we always welcome new members. If you don't fancy playing a bit of football then we would be more than happy to welcome you as a social member to the club.
For more information, visit us at: www.calgary.gaa.ie
The contest was finally halted in Round 11 by Canadian referee Hubert Earle when Dunne floored Cordoba three times, sending the 24-year-old out on a stretcher and handing Ireland its first world title belt in 13 years.
"This is a fight that will long be remembered," chimed commentator Jimmy Magee, each word uttered without an ounce of hyperbole.
Cordoba, who was favoured to win the fight, recovered in hospital but was released two days later, suffering from exhaustion and dehydration.
"This is for all of us," an exultant Dunne announced afterwards, as crowds celebrated a doubly fine day for Irish sport - the Irish rugby team winning their first Six Nations Grand Slam in 61 years that very evening.
Few believed Dunne could overcome the champion, particularly after his devastating first round loss to Spaniard Kiko Martinez in 2007.
But since his promoter Brian Peters - rumoured to have pumped millions of Euro into the bout - announced the world title challenge in the new year, the Dubliner insisted he would capture the belt.
Using a powerful left jab and intelligent footwork, Dunne matched the pace set by Cordoba in the early rounds.
By the third he had Cordoba on the canvas, but, displaying the tenacity which he showed throughout the fight, the Panamanian weathered the storm and floored Dunne twice in the fifth.
From there the tension continued to mount - Cordoba frequently pressing Dunne against the ropes using a sharp j ab and weighty rights, only to be rocked by the Dubliner's powerful counter combinations.
With the 9,000 strong crowd on their feet, relief came in Round 11 when Dunne knocked Cordoba down three times, forcing the referee to call a halt to the contest.
"It was alotof hard work, by me, my team and my family. A lot of sacrifices went into getting this title but they've all paid off," the 29-year-old told the press afterwards.
The win has cemented Dunne's name as a top contender in the Super Bantamweight division, with a possible bout between Israel Vazquez in Las Vegas in September said to be on the cards.
•
Mark Traynor is a freelance writer based in Dublin.
Can Setanta Do Anything Right?
Dear Editor:
Recently Setanta broadband sports changed their website and log in and I can no longer get in there. I have spent days trying and even with help support I have given up.
I have spoken to other people and they have the same problem. Can Setanta do anything right?
Sean Barry Powell River, B.C.
IRELAND'S under 18 National Hockey Team which won bronze at the finals in Turkey. At the far right is Candian-born coach Sean Dooley.
U18 National Hockey Team Wins Bronze
DUBLIN - On March 16, the U18 Irish National Hockey Team made history when they won the bronze medal at Erzurum, Turkey. They won handily by six goals to three in the decider for the bronze medal position.
Having been absent from international competition at this age level for the past 10 years, this success speaks volumes for the progress made in ice hockey sports in Ireland in the last few years.
Much of the credit and high praise went to Canadian-born coach Sean Dooley along with his assistant coach Kenny Redmond and general manager Mick Cummins.
The team is comprised of the best young players from the whole island of Ireland, only five members of the team of 20 will be too old to compete next year.
Sean has been a player/coach with the Dundalk Bulls for the past few years and also coaches all the youth development teams in Dundalk. When he first went to Dundalk, the kids were just learning to skate and play a bit of hockey and now there are over 200 kids enrolled.
Canadian hockey players, coaches and general managers can now be found on hockey teams throughout the island of Ireland.
Dooley has dual citizenship - he was born in Nelson, British Columbia and his father, John Dooley is from Forkhill, South Armagh, Northern Ireland and is also the mayor of Nelson.
Ice hockey has certainly been an ice breaker in Ireland, where all religious denominations can come together to enjoy the game and it is also heartening to consider just what can be achieved when all the parts of Ireland can come together in a common purpose.
This past February at the Sweetheart's Ball in Vancouver - a fundraiser organized by the local Irish community to support The Celtic Connection -Sean Dooley donated an (IIHA) Irish Ice Hockey Association jersey for raffle.
Now for the annual Celtic Connection golf tournament, Sean Dooley has donated a Dundalk Bulls ice hockey j ersey. Many thanks Sean and congratulations to you and your team on winning the bronze medal.
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