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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Steven Crawford & Michael Turnbull

Tributes paid to boxing legend and 'one of the best human beings' Pat McCrory

Tributes have been pouring in after the sad passing of Ulster boxing legend Pat McCrory.

Mr. McCrory was a huge figure in Ulster boxing during his lifetime and was a life-long fanatic of the sport.

McCrory founded Elmfield BC just yards from his home back in 1970, it eventually became Glengormley.

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He also progressed through the ranks of the Antrim County Board becoming its President and then taking a position at The Ulster Council. Mr McCrory was ever present at Olympic Games in Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney and Beijing as well as several Commonwealth Games.

In 1978, McCrory was in Barry McGuigan's corner as he won gold at Edmonton. A year later he was awarded an MBE for services to boxing before going on to become an international referee and secretary of AIBA referees/judges commission.

Paying tribute to him, McGuigan tweeted: "So sad to hear of the passing of PatMcCrory RIP former top boxing official, referee and judge and one of the best human beings I’ve ever had the good pleasure to meet.Pat was in my corner when I won gold at the Commonwealth Games 1978 in Canada. Deepest sympathies to Mary & fam."

McCrory also played a vital role in bringing World Amateur Boxing Championships to the Odyssey Arena in 2001. A tribute on the County Antrim Boxing IABA Facebook page read: "County Antrim Boxing sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of boxing stalwart Pat McCrory."

"Pat served as president and secretary of the County Antrim Board, president and secretary of the Ulster Boxing Council and Secretary of the World R&J committee. Pat will be missed by all involved in the Sport. He was also until recently heavily involved in Glengormley BC and still attending championships."

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