Tributes Paid to Higherside Boxing Coach Dave Mulcahy

Dave Mulcahy, a long-time secretary and coach of Higherside Amateur Boxing Club, has passed away.

Dave was a founder of the club in 1979 and devoted his time to training Prescot and Whiston youngsters for almost thirty years. He was forced to step down in 2008, due to ill health, and he died earlier this week.

Tributes came almost immediately via social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Even international boxing legend Lennox Lewis tweeted to offer his thoughts about the man known as “Mr Higherside.”

Respect and condolences go out to the family of David Mulcahy of Higherside ABC. A dedicated coach, &mentor to many kids. #RIP

Other comments came from those who knew him personally and benefited from his dedication to making a difference in young lives.

@PaulSmithJnr wrote:

RIP Dave Mulcahy from Higherside abc. Lovely man. Did so much for kids in his area. God bless him.

In more spirited style, @mattymahalo tweeted:

raising a glass tonight to a man who inspired my obsession. Dave Mulcahy, Mr Higherside, Good night Sir. It was a f***ing pleasure. #myhero

@colonel1208 said:

Dave Mulcahy was my Boxing trainer from age 10 – 15. Have great memories of those years. Great man who devoted his life to Higherside ABC

There were many fond memories. On Facebook, Geoff Ormesher wrote:

R.I.P. Dave, many a laugh and good times in Tommy Halls selling Higherside ABC tote, deepest sympathy for his family

Kelly George recalled:

Very sad news, I used to work in prescot leisure in the 90s and dave was an absolute one off!! Rip Dave Xx

Neil Trimnell remembered him as a true legend, while Sharon Hunter wrote:

Sad news. Dave trained & inspired my son for which I will be forever grateful!

Prescot Online also heard from Andrew Shone, now in New Zealand, who provided the photos here. In a touching testament to the affection with which Dave is held locally, Andrew wrote:

As you are aware Dave Mulcahy passed away yesterday (my time NZ). I was very privileged to know Dave, as I was a founder member of the Higherside Boxing Club, boxing at schoolboy, junior and senior level. Dave was a great coach, but he was something more to the lads he coached. He was a great  friend, an advisor, a taxi driver , a stand-in father, a social worker, a medic; he was all of the above to these boys. He helped young, under-privileged lads gain confidence and become men as well as fine athletes. I said goodbye to Dave in 1989 to emigrate to NZ. When I’ve been back I’ve wandered into the gym to catch up. First time I went back, I wandered into the gym and began a session, Dave didn’t talk to me for an hour. Finally he came over and told me, “don’t be coming into my gym talking funny.” He made me do a round sparring with everybody in the gym that night – even the little kids – as a penance; then he put his arm around me and told me how much he had missed me. That was Dave all over, a great man who loved and cared for everybody who stepped into his gym.

Dave leaves behind his wife, Eileen, and three sons, Ste, Allan and Terry. Prescot Online offers its best wishes to the family and friends of Dave Mulcahy.

Photos: Top – Dave Mulcahy pictured right
Bottom, Dave Mulcahy pictured second from right

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