Fighting Irishmen: A Celebration of Celtic Warriors

NEW YORK (March 13, 2006) – “Fighting Irishmen: A Celebration of Celtic Warriors,” an eclectic collection of boxing photography and artifacts exhibit, will be launched in mid-August at the Irish Arts Center, located at 553 West 51st Street, it was announced today by curator Jim Houlihan, at Gallagher's Steak House in midtown Manhattan.

Boxing legend “Irish” Micky Ward, former football Giants great and present broadcaster Dick Lynch, FOX & FRIENDS anchor Brian Kilmeade, Pat Lynch, manager of boxing champion Arturo Gatti, and Sean Finlay, publisher of the Irish Echo, were all honored today with Distinguished Irish American Hero Awards from the Irish Arts Center at the sold out benefit luncheon.

The Irish Arts Center has promoted Irish culture since its inception in 1972. Offering theater performances, film screenings, converts, exhibitions and classes in Irish music, dance, history and language, the Center is recognized as the most active and diverse Irish cultural organization in North America.

The exhibit, which will be open to the public, is a stroll down memory lane for fight fans and historians alike. Among the artifacts and pictures on display will be the legendary John L. Sullivan's fur coat; a blazer specially made for Jack Dempsey; photographs from the archives of Sports Illustrated, as well as classic photographs from the lens of legendary Madison Square Garden photographer George Kalinsky; Charlie Nash's Olympic Jersey when he was fighting for Ireland; photographs of the classic Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti trilogy; and historic photos of such memorable Irish fighters as John L. Sullivan, Jerry Quarry, Jack Dempsey, Jay Tunney, James J. Corbett, James J. Braddock, Bill Conn, Jimmy McLarnin, Gerry Cooney, Barry McGuigan and Bobby Cassidy, just to name a few.

“Fighting Irishmen: A Celebration of Celtic Warriors” will be launched prior to Labor Day, and will be on exhibit through November 30. Suggested contribution at the door is $10 per person, and all proceed will go to the Irish Arts Center. For more information call the Arts Center at 212-757-3318, ext. 203.

In addition, there will be a series of special events commemorating the Celtic warrior. The four nights scheduled are as follows: October 19 at the Arts Center, Writers and Fighters panel discussion; October 26 at Fordham University Lincoln Center, An Evening with Barry McGuigan and Friends; November 7 at the Arts Center, Irish Kings of the Ring on Film; and November 15 at Fordham Lincoln Center, Irish Champs and Contenders.