In pictures: Hudie McCole honoured for a lifetime of service to Dungloe Boxing Club

Click on the arrows to go through the photos from the function

Back Row L-R: Alan Mullis, Marty Boyle, Daniel Boyle, Packie Gillespie, Michael Sweeney, Charles Kennedy, Hughie Sweeney, John Boyle, Daniel Sweeney, John Fair. Front Row L-R: Michael Wallace , Hudie McCole, Packie Molloy.

Hudie McCole has been honoured by Dungloe Boxing Club for a lifetime of service.

Club members past and present gathered at the Midway Bar in Dangle on Friday night where Hudie’s stunning 56-year contribution was marked.

Since the late 1960s, Hudie has been a constant presence in the club.

“Attending training three nights a week and traveling to championships the length and breadth of the country Hudie's enthusiasm for his club and the boxers has been unwavering,” a club spokesperson said.

Under Hudie’s stewardship, the club has enjoyed great success over the years with multiple Irish, Ulster, Donegal and University champions.

His grandson Matthew McCole, now with the Illies Golden Gloves, is an Irish Universities champion and boxed in the recent Irish Elite Championships.

Some boxers whose skills were honed by Hudie have gone on to the paid professional ranks.

Danny Boyle, who currently flies the flag, fights on the Rumble In The Hills show in Letterkenny on Saturday night.

Shaun McShane from Lettermacaward had a pro career from 2014-2018 and retired with a 8-4-1 record.

Cathal McCauley, one of Dungloe Boxing Club’s most decorated boxers - a winner of three Irish titles - said: “We, the members of the club, wanted to say thank you to Hudie for all he has done for us over the years.”

McCauley presented Hudie with his lifetime achievement while John Sweeney - an Irish U21 and Intermediate champion - presented a Newgrange set to Hudie’s wife, Alice.

John Fair, another iconic figure in Donegal boxing, travelled from Buncrana to attend, recalling many great competitive nights between the men of the Rosses and his own Inishowen.

"It was wonderful to see these gentlemen reminisce about old encounters with such enthusiasm and pride,” John Wallace, the MC for the event, said. “The evening will be remembered and talked about for years to come."

Packie Ferry (Boyle) was also honoured by the club. In 1967, Packie helped to reestablish the modern Dungloe Boxing Club.

A spokesperson said: “Without the vision and efforts of individuals like Packie Ferry the club would simply not exist today. The club is honoured to recognise the contributions of Packie and to ensure his legacy lives successfully on into the future”

Mackie Molloy, the club president, was also honours for years of dedicated service in the interest of the club while Michael Wallace was given an award for organising tournaments and administration of the club.

Awards for coaching services to Dungloe BC were presented to Hughie Sweeney, Brian Boyle, Jim McCole, Pat McCole and Brendan McCole.

The club has extended thanks to all who attended and to The Midway Bar, Arthurs Jewellers, Charles Bonners Shop, The Bridge Inn, City of Derry Engraving and all who made the function possible.