Born in a "rickety, wooden hut" at the bottom end of Norglen Gardens in Turf Lodge, Holy Trinity Boxing Club was born half a century ago.
First affiliated in 1971/72, it took its first tentative steps in what would become a remarkable journey which continues to march on some 50 years later.
Working amid the Troubles, Holy Trinity offered hope and respite for families living in the community. It was a safe haven away from the madness and mayhem that often haunted the streets of Belfast.
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But as the club says: "When the going got tough, boxing kept going".
Last weekend Holy Trinity celebrated half a century of work, sacrifice and success with a special 50th Anniversary Gala dinner at the Balmoral Hotel. Over 200 guests were in attendance including Olympic gold medallists Michael Carruth and Lady Mary Peters.
It was chance to not only recognise the achievements of the club inside the ring, but the impact it has made outside the squared circle.
Legendary Michael Hawkins has been the driving force, coach from the start and still up there in the now modern gym every night, passing on his expertise to club coaches and boxers alike.
‘’Our success has been a massive team effort,’’ Hawkins says in a special commemorative booklet
‘’For all our coaches, training a lad through to his first fight, or win, or his first title, whether it is club show, county, provincial or national, international, it always gives a great buzz.
‘’That's what the Holy Trinity’s about, bringing out the best and encouraging all the young kids through sport.
‘‘Doesn’t matter what level they reach, they’re all champions in our eyes.
‘’They are all central to the club’s overall success down the years.’’
On the night Holy Trinity paid tribute to its champions - past and present - and honoured the boxers who competed at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Those in attendance also remembered those who sadly are not with us today.
Holy Trinity secretary Thomas Hawkins also announced the 35 boxers who between them have won 110 Ulster and Irish Senior/Elite Championship titles, with the fighters in attendance given a heroes’ reception.
‘’It’s great to see you all here tonight, boxers, coaches, and supporters," Thomas said.
‘’You’ve all played your part in the success of the Holy Trinity club.
"So, to you and to every one of our boxers down the years…. Every single one who ever wore the Holy Trinity vest… a massive thanks…
‘’It’s everyone of you and our coaches who have made the club what it is today.
‘’Between you, we have won thousands of titles, made life-long friends, and shared some brilliant boxing memories over the years."
There was also special recognition for legendary coach and Holy Trinity supremo Michael Hawkins who was presented with an IABA Lifetime Achievement Award.
The presentation was made by Irish boxing President Gerry O'Mahony and Secretary Antoinette Faye-McClean.
“I know just how much this lifetime award means to boxing people - I'm just blown away by this tonight. Totally out of the blue,” said the Holy Trinity stalwart.
“I wish to thank the IABA for this honour and I'll accept this not just for me, the Holy Trinity is not just about me, I’ll accept it on behalf of my family, for the Turf Lodge community and for all the coaches and boxers and officials who have all pulled together down the years to make the club what it is today.
“I thank them all, it's been a real team effort. This honour is for them all.”
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