#OTD in 1858 – John L. Sullivan nicknamed ‘The Boston Strong Boy’ is born in Roxbury, Massachussetts.

John L. Sullivan was born to Irish immigrants, Michael Sullivan from Abbeydorney, Co Kerry and Catherine née Kelly from Athlone, Co Westmeath. He was one of the most popular heavyweight champions and a symbol of the bareknuckle era of boxing. Sullivan began to fight professionally in 1878 after briefly studying at Boston College. On 7 […]

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#OTD in Irish History | 15 October:

1582 – Pope Gregory reforms the calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 45BCE: 4 October is followed by 15 October. However, the reform will not be implemented in Britain and Ireland till 1752. 1690 – After taking Cork on 28 September, Marlbourough takes Kinsale for the Williamites, who now control Munster. 1763 – Birth of […]

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#OTD in 1889 – In the last official bare knuckle title fight ever held, heavyweight boxer, John L. Sullivan beats fellow Irishman Jack Kilrain in a world championship bout which lasts 75 rounds.

John L. Sullivan, the celebrated 19th century fist fighter embodied the spirit of a fighting Irishman. Sullivan left behind more than just a legacy of 40 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss. The Boston pugilist was a transformative figure who helped usher in a new period in ring fighting. He was the last bare-knuckle champion and […]

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#OTD in 1858 – John L. Sullivan nicknamed ‘The Boston Strong Boy’ is born in Roxbury, Massachussetts.

John L. Sullivan was born to Irish immigrants, Michael Sullivan from Abbeydorney, Co Kerry and Catherine née Kelly from Athlone, Co Westmeath. He was one of the most popular heavyweight champions and a symbol of the bareknuckle era of boxing. Sullivan began to fight professionally in 1878 after briefly studying at Boston College. On 7 […]

Read More

#OTD in Irish History | 15 October:

1582 – Pope Gregory reforms the calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 45BCE: 4 October is followed by 15 October. However, the reform will not be implemented in Britain and Ireland till 1752. 1690 – After taking Cork on 28 September, Marlbourough takes Kinsale for the Williamites, who now control Munster. 1763 – Birth of […]

Read More

#OTD in 1889 – In the last official bare knuckle title fight ever held, heavyweight boxer, John L. Sullivan beats fellow Irishman Jack Kilrain in a world championship bout which lasts 75 rounds.

John L. Sullivan, the celebrated 19th century fist fighter embodied the spirit of a fighting Irishman. Sullivan left behind more than just a legacy of 40 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss. The Boston pugilist was a transformative figure who helped usher in a new period in ring fighting. He was the last bare-knuckle champion and […]

Read More

#OTD in 1858 – John L. Sullivan nicknamed ‘The Boston Strong Boy’ is born in Roxbury, Massachussetts.

John L. Sullivan was born to Irish immigrants, Michael Sullivan from Abbeydorney, Co Kerry and Catherine née Kelly from Athlone, Co Westmeath. He was one of the most popular heavyweight champions and a symbol of the bareknuckle era of boxing. Sullivan began to fight professionally in 1878 after briefly studying at Boston College. On 7 […]

Read More

#OTD in Irish History | 15 October:

1582 – Pope Gregory reforms the calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 45BCE: 4 October is followed by 15 October. However, the reform will not be implemented in Britain and Ireland till 1752. 1690 – After taking Cork on 28 September, Marlbourough takes Kinsale for the Williamites, who now control Munster. 1763 – Birth of […]

Read More

#OTD in 1858 – John L. Sullivan nicknamed ‘The Boston Strong Boy’ is born in Roxbury, Massachussetts.

John L. Sullivan was born to Irish immigrants, Michael Sullivan from Abbeydorney, Co Kerry and Catherine née Kelly from Athlone, Co Westmeath. He was one of the most popular heavyweight champions and a symbol of the bareknuckle era of boxing. Sullivan began to fight professionally in 1878 after briefly studying at Boston College. On 7 […]

Read More

#OTD in Irish History | 15 October:

1582 – Pope Gregory reforms the calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 45BCE: 4 October is followed by 15 October. However, the reform will not be implemented in Britain and Ireland till 1752. 1690 – After taking Cork on 28 September, Marlbourough takes Kinsale for the Williamites, who now control Munster. 1763 – Birth of […]

Read More