Mike Farragher
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| Mike Farragher | |
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| Born | January 2, 1871 Youngstown, Ohio |
| Died | October 21, 1934 Youngstown, Ohio |
Michael Joseph Farragher (January 2, 1871 - October 21, 1934) was a well-known welterweight boxer from Youngstown, Ohio. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries Farragher faced opponents in venues as diverse as New York City; Wheeling, West Virginia; Cleveland, Ohio; and Homestead, Pennsylvania.[1]
He was born in the multiethnic, working-class district of Brier Hill, on Youngstown's North Side.[2] The Farraghers were well established at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church,[2] and at least two members of the family gained prominence as athletes. Mike Farragher's younger brother, James Farragher, went on to become a left tackle on the University of Notre Dame's football team and is credited in official histories as an acting head coach of the "Fighting Irish".[3]
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[edit] Boxing career
Farragher "weighed in" at between 122 and 135 pounds and participated in almost 40 fights, with five "knock-outs" to his credit. In a career that spanned from 1891 to 1912, he defeated early champions such as Jim Gallagher, Jeff Powers, Tommy Broderick, Jimmy Reeder, and Stanton Abbott.[1]
Interestingly, he was unable to fight in his hometown throughout 1894, because "local ministers took a united stand against the sport", while "the Catholic Institute barred all persons who had taken part in prize fights".[2] Farragher was evidently undeterred. That same year, he defeated Eastern champion Abe Lloyd in a bout of 27 rounds held in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.[2]
One published obituary indicates that Farragher's career peaked between 1902 and 1906.[4] He retired after defeating opponent Phil Cassidy in a fight held in Youngstown, on Feb. 12, 1912.[1]
[edit] Later years
Upon leaving the ring, Farragher established a popular tavern on Commerce Street, in downtown Youngstown. The business operated successfully until the enforcement of Prohibition in 1920. At that point, Farragher became involved in real estate in the Youngstown and Detroit markets.[2]
On the morning of October 21, 1934, Michael Joseph Farragher died at his daughter's South Side home. An obituary notes that he had suffered a debilitating stroke about 10 months earlier.[2] Farragher was survived by his daughter, Mrs. Lawrence J. Moran, a son, Joseph Farragher of South America, and the following siblings: John and James Farragher, Mrs. John King, Miss Catherine Farragher, Mrs. John Barnes, and Mrs. Joseph Tobin. His wife, Rose, had died in 1924. His funeral service was held at St. Dominic's Church, and he was buried at Calvary Cemetery, in Youngstown, Ohio.[4]The passing of one of Youngstown's celebrated "old-time boxers" was duly noted in both of the city's daily newspapers.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Mike Farragher. International Boxing Research Organization. Retrieved on March 6, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f "M.J. Farragher Dies of Stroke", The Youngstown Daily Vindicator, October 22, 1934, p. 5.
- ^ Sperner, Murray (1993). Shake Down the Thunder: The Creation of Notre Dame Football. New York: Henry Holt and Company, p. 29.
- ^ a b "Old Time Fighter, Farragher, Is Dead", The Youngstown Telegram, October 22, 1934, p. 5.
