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Remembering Michael

Friday, 05 February 2010

MEMBERS of a Northside boxing club will gather this weekend for a special fundraising show, which is being held in memory of one of its brightest stars. After succumbing to a lengthy battle with leukaemia, Michael Cawley died tragically on November 12, 2009, at just 12-years-of-age. In his all too short life, the talented youngster made a huge impression in his chosen sport and was crowned a Dublin champion in his weight category in March 2009. Baldoyle Amateur Boxing Club, where Michael honed his impressive skills, has organised a fundraising show, which will be held this Saturday, February 6, at the Racecourse Inn, Baldoyle, with doors opening at 7pm. Normally the proceeds of such shows are used to defray the running costs of the club but an exception will be made in this case as all the proceeds will be donated to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, in memory of Michael. The fundraiser will consist of club members selling sponsorship lines locally, and on the night of the show, head shaving and leg waxing will feature. In addition to the many young boxers displaying their talents, the show will also include local hero and many times decorated Irish champion, Conor Ahern. Michael joined Baldoyle ABC in 2006 aged nine and like many young boys aspired to be a champion in later years.  He was first diagnosed with leukaemia in November 1999, aged two, and underwent treatment for the next three years. He was illness free up until 2005 but sadly relapsed that year and underwent further treatment for another two years. During this spell he joined Baldoyle ABC in 2006 and displayed great courage in fighting inside the ring, as well as his illness outside of it. In December 2008, he fought in the final of the Dublin Leagues at the 27kgs weight division where he narrowly lost. Undeterred, in March 2009, he competed at the same weight division in the final of the Dublin Championships where he was crowned champion.  In April 2009, Michael was due to compete in the National Championships representing Dublin but unfortunately his illness flared up again and on medical advice had to withdraw. He underwent further treatment and in September 2009 his brother, William, donated bone marrow in a valiant attempt to help him beat the disease. On November 12 last year, Michael was called to that great big boxing ring in the sky. One of the proudest moments in his life occurred while he was being treated at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. Mike Tyson, on a trip to Dublin, paid a visit to patients at the hospital. On discovering a fellow boxer the heavyweight legend gave Michael a signed photograph of himself. This was promptly framed and proudly displayed for all to see. Seamus Fennessy, secretary of Baldoyle ABA, told Northside People: “In his short life, Michael displayed amazing courage and was an inspiration to those he came in contact with. He is sadly missed around the club. “Our club is hoping for a big turnout on the night for this very worthy cause.”  If people can’t make it on the night but would still like to make a donation, contact Seamus on 086-8343819. Meanwhile, the Cawley family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, for caring for Michael during his illness and also for offering support to the family.