By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
A memorial bench was officially launched at Fairgreen, Enniscorthy, this morning (Saturday) honouring one of boxing’s greatest ambassadors, Michael ‘Mick’ Quigley, from Greenville, who sadly passed away on September 21st, 2021, but always remembered with pride in his native town.
The memorial was the brainchild of the Wexford Ex-Boxers Association who previously honoured Mick in 2018 in the Riverbank Hotel, Wexford, and is located beside another great Enniscorthy ambassador, the late Bernard Dunne.
There were tributes from Jim Sullivan, President of the Ex-Boxers, Paddy Redmond, Treasurer, and Cllr Jackser Owens. Francis Keeling, Secretary of the Ex-Boxers acted as master of ceremonies. The memorial was officially unveiled jointly by Mick’s great friend Paddy Redmond and his great grand-daughter Amelia Grace Doyle.
Speaking on behalf of the Quigley family, Ms. Teresa Quigley said; “It is great to see you all here this morning for this lovely event. Daddy (Mick) would be as proud as punch as would Mammy (Annie) and all of Daddy’s family – Uncle Tommy, Aunt Kitty and Aunt Lizzy and Mary, who is here today. And do you know what else he would say; I deserve it! And so he does!
“He’d also be delighted by the fact that himself and Bernard (Dunne) are side by side again as they were so many times in life.
“Looking around there are so many parts of Daddy’s life represented here; you know who you are! And the fantastic civic minded things ye all did together before there were grants or social initiatives or anything like their thoughts of setting up clubs and keeping them going on a shoestring with little or no support and all based on the desire to do something in, for, and with the community.”
Ms. Quigley concluded; “A thanks to the Wexford Ex-Boxers Association because without you, we wouldn’t be here at this great occasion today. I know there has been paperwork and red tape to be overcome but the honour that you are paying to our Daddy, brother, uncle, cousin, grandad and great grandad is so much appreciated. Thank you one and all on behalf of Mick’s family.”
The attendance included the Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllrs Cathal Byrne, Jackser Owens and John O’Rourke, representatives of the Capt. Thomas Wafer Branch of the O.N.E., a large contingent from the Wexford Ex-Boxers Association, family members, neighbours and friends and well-wishers.
The inscription on the memorial bench reads as follows; “Placed here in memory of Michael Quigley, Greenville Lane, dedicated Boxing Referee, Judge, Coach and Local Voluntary Community Worker. By Wexford Ex-Boxers Group 2024.”
WexfordLocal.com 