Rinty Monaghan - The Beginning and the End

[from the Appletree Press title Legends of Irish Boxing published by Appletree Press]

John Joseph 'Rinty' Monaghan is the natural starting point when discussing Irish Boxing Legends. His popularity and career blazed the trail for the many Irish boxers who would follow in his wake. In October 1947, Rinty won the National Boxing Association - later to become the World Boxing Association (WBA) - flyweight crown. His victory in London over Dado Marino was the most significant breakthrough for Irish boxing in the twentieth century and made Monaghan an instant legend. On 23rd March 1948, at a packed King's Hall in Belfast, the remarkable flyweight retained his world flyweight crown when he dispatched the durable Scot, Jackie Paterson, in the seventh round. As Patterson was prostrate in the smoke-filled hall, Rinty jigged in the ring, and on receiving the belt led the crowd in a rendition of 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling'. Rinty Monaghan's achievement in winning a world title was truly ground-breaking in Irish boxing history. He also claimed the British and European titles during a career that spanned sixty-six professional outings, losing on just eight occasions.

He began his boxing career in Ma Copley's famous boxing booths in Belfast and, unbelievably, had his first paid fight at the age of fourteen in 1934. That first taste of professionalism - a drawn contest with 'Boy Ramsey' - was the beginning of a sparkling career that saw him command a huge following in his hometown. A short break for military service during World War Two interrupted his rise to the top. During 1945, Rinty fought on four occasions, his only loss coming to Joe Curran in Liverpool.The King's Hall became his fortress and eventually he scaled the heights to bring a world crown to his native Belfast.

Rinty Monaghan's career is epic in its telling. A distant era of boxing, showmanship, fearlessness and bravery. His last outing in the ring took place in September 1949 when he drew with Terry Allen at the King's Hall. As a consequence, he took four major titles - British, European, Commonwealth, and World crowns - into his keeping, until chronic bronchitis forced his retirement. He later worked as an entertainer, taxi driver and garage attendant in his native Belfast. He died at his home in Little Corporation Street on 3rd March 1984, aged sixty-three.

Fifty-nine years after the epic encounter with Patterson the Monaghan family, together with the great and the good of local boxing, gathered again at the King's Hall for the unveiling of a plaque sponsored by the Ulster History Circle and Belfast City Council. The plaque was erected in tribute to one of Belfast's most fondly remembered sons who, in 1948, inspired future generations of Irish boxers, many of whom are detailed in this book. Rinty Monaghan's legacy is contained within these chapters.

From the Appletree Press title: Legends of Irish Boxing by Barry Flynn.