Jim McCourt Remembered

Mick Dowling joins The Rocky Road this week to look back at the boxing life of his Olympic team-mate, Jim McCourt RIP. Two amateur boxing devotees who rebuffed the professional ranks to dedicate their fighting lives to Ireland, Dowling and McCourt travelled the world together representing their country. Here, Dowling tells us why ‘The Prince of the Immaculata’ might well have been our best ever, what made him stand apart from even his peers and why they both opted to remain as amateurs for life. We hear Mick’s views on the amateur and pro scenes in 2023, a reflection on his time with RTE and why he still believes boxing can break down barriers for kids all over the country. He recalls his first meetings with a young Katie Taylor – one of the few fighters who can hold a candle to McCourt’s imperiousness. The two-time European Championships medallist is still coaching away, giving back, inspiring the next generation of fighters coming through the production line. Finally there’s an impassioned appeal for the IABA to bring back the big international nights at the National Stadium – it’s about time. 

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