"Defeat is not the worst of failures.
Not to have tried is the true failure"
Smithboro ABC
Was first established on 1965 and is one of the longest running boxing clubs in Ireland.
The club is proud of the champion boxers it has produced in the past and present and will continue well
into the future!
We are proud members of the IABA.
Barry McGuigan
Barry started boxing at an early age, and throughout his juvenile career was recognised as a future potential
force in the sport. After juvenile boxing experience at the Wattlebridge boxing club, Barry, with the help of his trainer
Danny McEntee established himself as an exceptional amateur at the Smithboro boxing club. His first
major championship came when he defeated Martin Brereton for the All Ireland Amateur Championship in 1976. Barry (fighting
at Featherweight) turned professional in 1981 under the guidance of his new manager, Barney Eastwood he rapidly climbed the
peaks of boxing, reaching the summit of his career in 1985. Barry McGuigan was crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Champion
in June 1985
Kevin McBride
Kevin started boxing with Smithboro when he was 13 years old. He captured three All-Ireland titles, highlighted
by the 1992 Senior Super Heavyweight crown that qualified him for the 1992 Olympic Trials in Denmark, which earned him a
position on the Irish Olympic Boxing Team. At 18, Kevin became the youngest super heavyweight to compete
in the Olympics at Barcelona. In 1992, McBride turned pro and has been very successfull having been famed with the last man
to fight and beat iron Mike Tyson!
