Fighting Irishmen

The Irish Arts Center Presents A Celebration Of The Celtic Warrior

The Irish Arts Center is presenting a major visual arts exhibition to open its 2006-2007 programming season. Fighting Irishmen: A Celebration of the Celtic Warrior, is a rare collection of boxing imagery and artifacts. The exhibit is curated by James J. Houlihan; Liam Neeson is honorary chair. The exhibit runs from August 28, 2006 through November 30, 2006 at the Irish Arts Center, 553 West 51st Street (Between 10th and 11th Avenues) in New York.

This unique exhibit provides an opportunity to see equipment, signed memorabilia, antique photographs, fight posters, movie related memorabilia, boxing exhibit cards, and programs from a time when the Irish dominated boxing. The exhibit covers champions of the late 19th century, such as John L. Sullivan and James J. Corbett, right through to modern day champions like Gene Tunney, James J. Braddock, Mickey Walker, Jimmy McLarnin, and Billy Conn. Current champions Barry McGuigan, Steve Collins, John Duddy, Charlie Nash, and Wayne McCullough are also featured. The exhibit includes John L. Sullivan's fur coat, Jack Dempey's custom-made blazer, photos from the archives of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Nash's Irish Olympic Jersey, and much more.

In addition to the gallery displays, the Irish Arts Center and Fordham University are hosting four special evenings as part of the exhibition. Round 1: Writers and Fighters, is on October 19, 7:00p.m., at the Irish Arts Center. Sports writer Bill Gallo, author Jay Tunney, and journalist Frank Deford are among those expected for a free-wheeling discussion of boxing and the media. Round 2: An Evening With Barry McGuigan and Friends, features Ireland's most popular champion, and the new kid on the block, John Duddy. This round is at Fordham- Lincoln Center, in the Pope Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

The exhibition's Round 3: Irish Kings of the Ring on Film, is back in the Irish Arts Center theater on November 7 at 7:00 p.m. Steve Lott from the Boxing Hall of Champions will present newsreels and film clips with narration by historian Mike Silver. Round 4: Irish Champs, Contenders, and Pretenders, is on November 15 at Fordham-Lincoln Center's McNally Auditorium. Film, commentary, and anecdotal conversation will be moderated by curator James J. Houlihan, with Gerry Cooney, Mickey Ward, and Arturo Gatti among those on hand.