Butty Sugrue
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Butty Sugrue | |
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| Born | July 27, 1924 Gortnascarry, near Killorglin |
| Died | October 16, 1977 (aged 53) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Strongman, Circus performer, Wrestler, Publican, Entrepreneur |
Michael "Butty" Sugrue (July 27, 1924 – October 16, 1977) was an Irish strongman, circus performer, wrestler, publican, and entrepreneur, renowned for his remarkable feats of strength and his role in bringing Muhammad Ali to Ireland.[1][2]
Early Life and Career
Born in Gortnascarry, near Killorglin, County Kerry, Sugrue was one of six children of farmer Timothy Sugrue and Eileen Reilly. His nickname, "Butty," stemmed from his squat and powerful build.
Wrestling and Promotion
Life in London
Emigrating to London in the early 1960s, Sugrue became a successful publican, owning establishments such as The Wellington in Shepherd's Bush and the Admiral Nelson in Kilburn. He made several television appearances displaying his strength and attracted publicity through various stunts.
[1] In 1974 he stood as an independent candidate in a local council election in protest of what he saw as a "crude piece of electioneering" by the Labour council.[4]
Muhammad Ali Fight Promotion
Sugrue's most ambitious promotion was organizing a fight between Muhammad Ali and Al "Blue" Lewis at Croke Park, Dublin, on July 19, 1972. Despite organizational challenges, including last-minute arrangements for boxing gloves and lower-than-expected attendance, the event was a significant achievement, especially considering the political climate in Ireland at the time. Ali won the fight in the eleventh round[5][3][6][2][7]
Death and Legacy
Sugrue died on October 16, 1977. He is buried in Churchtown, Beaufort. His legacy as a strongman and promoter remains a notable part of Irish sporting history.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 killorglinarchive (2013-11-28). "Michael 'Butty' Sugrue, 1924-1977. Strongman, Circus Performer, Wrestler, Publican and Entrepenur. | Killorglin Archive". Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "How a larger-than-life Kerry exile helped Muhammad Ali fight in Dublin". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Sugrue, Michael ('Butty')". www.dib.ie. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ↑ "Independent Slams Labour Chunnel Turnabout". Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush Gazette. 2 May 1974. p. 11. Retrieved 10 February 2025. Template:Open access
- ↑ "When Ali came to Ireland". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ↑ Maxwell, Nick (2013-02-19). "From the files of the DIB...'Ireland's strongest man'". History Ireland. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ↑ "The unlikely triumvirate that brought Ali to Croke Park". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
- ↑ "Former Kilburn "strongman" Butty Sugrue remembered in Ireland". Brent & Kilburn Times. 2016-09-26. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
External links
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