By Donie Jack Griffin
Patrick McCarthy is an All Ireland Champion. This young fella refused to stop knocking on the door of the National Stadium and last Saturday morning he boxed his way through it and punched it down to become Kerrys only Champion of 2017.
Patrick was very unlucky over his young career coming up against top opponents and nearly always a close second, but since the 2017 season started, Patrick was a man on a mission.
He refused to quit and trained everyday hail or shine, Christmas Day, Stephen’s day, Patrick’s day he didn’t care while his friends were out celebrating Patrick was pounding the big bag, running the roads, and sparring anyone who was brave enough to get in the ring with him.
All this hard work paid off as he beat Keeyan Roche (St Aidan’s) BC in the Boy 4 48kg final. Patrick is now called in to train with the Irish High Performance Team which will improve his boxing skills and hopefully he will make the Irish Team in the near future.
Patrick would like to thank his coaches Tommy, Noel, Donie, his many sparring partners and those who supported him achieve his dream.