When it comes to sporting dedication, Martin McCusker is in a class of his own.
From modest beginnings at the Camlough Boxing Club, Martin has become one of the top boxing coaches in the province.
And such is his passion for ringside action that he is continuing to scale new heights within a sport he cherishes.
His enthusiasm for and knowledge of boxing are such that he has become a walking encyclopaedia on the sport he loves.
From modest beginnings, he has achieved a status he never thought possible, such is his command of the many elements involved in boxing and his desire to spread interest in the sport among all age groups.
There was little wonder, then, when the ebullient Martin was presented with the coveted Coach of the Year award at the Newry, Mourne and District annual sports awards banquet just recently that he was overwhelmed.
Such is Martin’s dedication to boxing and his desire to popularise it even further that, in lifting the trophy, he was accorded a thunderous ovation.
And since then, he has pledged that he will become even more immersed in the sport.
“There is no doubt that boxing is a great sport,” points out Martin. “Just look at the number of tournaments that are being run at the minute and the trophies that are being handed out, and you will clearly see why so many young people are immersed in the sport just now.
“I have watched several young fighters make progress in the Camlough club, and I find this particularly gratifying. Some of the boxers who received trophies along with me did so because they had applied themselves vigorously from the outset and have shown they have the capacity to make further headway.
“I know that people like to get awards, but when you have done a job to the best of your ability, then you are entitled to feel good about it. There is no doubt that boxing is getting its share of the limelight just now, and I would warn fighters not to take anything for granted when they put in their best effort to capture a trophy.”
L-R: Coach Paddy Faloon, Martin McCusker, Aaron McCusker, Coach John Mooney and his son Steven Mooney.
The Camlough club has already produced a number of fighters who have proved themselves at a high level and are improving further with the passage of time.
In winning his trophy for 2024, Martin did so through his utter dedication and wish to make every fight count.
To become Senior Club Coach of the Year is no mean achievement given that there are many who would like to capture this accolade, but such are the current standards that claiming silverware is anything but a straightforward exercise.
Certainly, boxing has come to the fore in Ulster recently with several prominent fights having taken place, with more to come between now and the end of the year.
“I have to say there was an incentive in trying to go for the award,” smiles Martin. “I was challenging myself, if you like, but it was well worth it at the end of the day.
“I did not expect to become Coach of the Year, but I was absolutely delighted that this is what happened and I have been celebrating since. This gives me added impetus in my boxing career, and I will certainly be putting my shoulder to the wheel going forward.”
John Mooney is chairman of the Camlough Boxing Club, and he was delighted that Martin claimed what was regarded as a significant prize on the night.
“There is no doubt that Martin put in a lot of hard work last year, and it’s tremendous to see his efforts rewarded in this manner. This is what it is all about – if you work to your maximum, you can find yourself in the running for a top honour, and that is exactly what happened in the case of Martin.”
The Camlough club has been going from strength to strength, and even though several members are involved in sports other than boxing, their commitment to the Camlough club never wavers.
Gaelic football and soccer are among key sports in the south Armagh/Newry areas in general, and while they enjoy tremendous popularity, so too do rugby, golf, and tennis among other key sports.
“It’s good to see young people in particular being able to participate in more than one sport. This underlines the extent of their talents and gives them the encouragement to enhance their sporting careers if possible,” points out Martin.
He has been living in Newry for some nineteen years, but his heart still lies in his home area of Banbridge.
It was there that he first became addicted to boxing, and in doing so, followed in the footsteps of his uncle Eamonn, who won two major boxing titles.
It was from his uncle that Martin inherited his love of boxing, and after taking his first tentative steps in the sport, he went from strength to strength, and right now, he is already focused on further achievements.
He has won a small army of admirers but remains modest almost to a fault.
“I was fortunate to pick up so much boxing knowledge in Banbridge that I was able to transfer it to Camlough and Newry, and I could not be enjoying life more,” enthuses Martin.
“Sporting success can give you greater inner satisfaction, but obviously it imposes big demands on you. I am certainly not complaining because I have enjoyed every minute of my involvement in boxing, and that’s the truth.”
And he is in no doubt as to just whom he owes his greatest debt of gratitude for his progress in the world of sport.
“I would have to say my family, they have been tremendous. They gave me great encouragement, and my uncle Eugene certainly showed me what can be achieved when a person applies themselves fully in striving to reach their sporting goal,” adds Martin.
“Hopefully, I will be able to make more progress and help others to make headway. This would give me tremendous satisfaction when all is said and done.”
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