Sad loss occurs of iconic Donegal boxer Paddy Doherty

Paddy Doherty, a legendary South Donegal boxer, passed away peacefully aged 78, surrounded by his loving family at Galway University Hospital on Tuesday, November 3.

Doherty, a Ballyshannon native who lived near Ballintra, famously fought on the undercard of Muhammad Ali in 1972, and earned the mantra of being the last Irish boxer to have boxed at Croke Park until Katie Taylor’s September farewell, of which he attended as a guest of honour.

As an amateur boxer, he won three Ulster senior titles and two All-Ireland senior titles. Doherty was a five-time Irish champion at different weights and age groups, starting in 1964 at Boys 9st - winning junior in 1968 and senior in 1969.

Due to his Fermanagh family connections, he was able to represent both Ireland and Northern Ireland, the latter of which he represented in the 1970 Commonwealth Games held in Edinburgh, where he won a bronze medal in the Light Middleweight division.

His amateur career saw him fight worldwide, in countries including Germany, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa and Spain, fighting 20 times in a Northern Ireland vest, and 16 internationals in an Ireland vest.

As a professional boxer, Doherty finished with a record of four wins and three defeats, his career highlight being his second round stoppage victory in Croke Park in 1972.

After the Katie Taylor event, Doherty spoke of his experiences to Peter Campbell, where he said: "She was here for half an hour. She talked to me about the fight in 1972 and that this fight would be her last fight.

"I said to her, make sure you retire. Don't be making any comebacks and end up punch-drunk. She thanked me for the advice and her manager did too. She is 40 years of age now.

"She has made up her mind and by her chat I think she is thinking of moving back to Ireland. She has a place in America but if she comes back she would be back with the Irish team coaching.

"She would be great for Irish boxing and I think ’’. She came from a Council estate in Bray and fair play to her.

"Katie invited the whole family up. There were 10 of us at the fight. My daughters came home from New Zealand and San Francisco.

"It was a fantastic night. In '72 there was no presentation. When Ali fought, even the ground wasn't covered. It was just grass with seats on it. There has been a big change in Croke Park since 1972."

Paddy will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his wife Lelia, daughter Dara(Steven), son Bernard (Nicola), daughters Beth, Rebecca (Sean), grandchildren Alannah, Molly, Ronan, Maeve, Thora, Maggie, Odin and Maisy; extended family, friends and neighbours.