THIS picture has a special place in the Callan home of Jimmy Walsh, arguably our country’s most senior boxing coach at the age of 88.
That is hardly surprising as the Callan coach, a former pugilist holds the two boxing women very close to his heart.
He is really dedicated to the young Windgap woman, Claire Grace who he coached to local, national and international glory over the years.
And he has huge respect too for world champion Katie Taylor and was delighted when she was crowned as our county’s top sports person recently.
Katie and Claire are good friends. They shared rooms when they wore the Irish jersey at tournaments all over the world.
Katie continues to march to victory in the elite sport she loves.
Claire, although still a very young woman, has retired and is concentrating on her career as a radiographer in a Newcastle, England hospital.
Jimmy Walsh believes that Claire still has enough in the tank should she ever decide to return to the boxing ring.
He would be delighted to see her return but he respects Claire’s consideration for her career.
“Never, say never,” said Jimmy.
“I would love to see her back but I have real respect ror Claire and she is in the driving seat.”
