Rinty Monaghan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Joseph "Rinty" Monaghan (21 August 1920 - 3 March 1984) was a former world flyweight boxing champion from Belfast. From its Sailortown district, he became famous in the post-war period, eventually rising to become undisputed world champion and a hero to the people of Belfast.

A noted fighter at boys' level, he entered the paid ranks in his mid-teens. After a short period of wartime service, Monaghan resumed his career and his burgeoning reputation drew huge crowds from all parts of his home city. In particular, bouts at the King's Hall were the highlight with that venue normally packed to the rafters. Almost forty years later, Barry McGuigan was to attract an adoring following to the same venue.

In October 1947, the National Boxing Association world crown became his and the mantle of undisputed champion of the world rested on his shoulders after his defeat of the tough Scottish fighter Jackie Paterson on 23 March l948. Paterson was to prove one of the Belfast man's major adversaries.

Monaghan also endeared himself to his supporters by singing When Irish Eyes are Smiling to the crowd after his fights.

By the time that a long-standing chest complaint forced his retirement as champion in 1950, Monaghan's trophy-cabinet contained the British, European, Commonwealth and World crowns. He later had a variety of jobs but remained true to his working-class roots and stayed in Belfast. He died at his home in Little Corporation St in March 1984, at the relatively young age of 63.