Tralee man, Ollie Browne, holds a very special place in Irish boxing history. Now in his eighties, Browne's major claim to fame is that he is the only Kerry man ever to have won a national senior boxing title. In a most competitive sport, and coming from a county that does not have a particularly strong boxing tradition, it was a truly remarkable achievement on his part, all the more so because he won the title in his twentieth competitive bout.
 
His great Irish title victory took place in the national Stadium and is absolutely convinced that he should have been adjugded the winner the following year as well. It was a rematch with "Blackman" Doyle in the national final and Browne says that he "outboxed the Dublin man in every one ot the three rounds". "It was wonderful to become the first ever Kerryman to win a national senior title, but it would have been something else again to have done it two years in a row."

"I boxed very frequently in Dublin and I loved it" he said. But there would never be another night to compare with his senoir bantamweight championship victory of 1939/ 40 and the magnitude of the achievement is reflected in the fact that he is still the only Kerry boxer to win an Irish senior title.Boxing wasn't the only sporting interest of Ollie Browne. He also became involved in training GAA teams, including the footballers of Kenmare and the hurlers of Kilgarvan.

Ollie is also involved in the sport of Clay Pigeon Shooting and has even been part of the Munster team. For the last 45 years, he has been running his own physiotherapy/Chiropodist business from Tralee.

** Ollie died in Tralee on August 31st, 2004

Topics discussed in this interview
Ollie talks about his incredible achievement in the National Championships. Ollie's return to Kerry, and his family and friends. Also, early work and how he began boxing. Donie Sheehan rings in. Competitive boxing, local boxing chamcpionships and heroes, Denis P. O' Sullivan
rings in. Ollie talks about clay pigeon shooting, Pat O' Sullivan rings in. Messages for Ollie, being the physio for the Kerry team, Tralee & Kenmare, John O'Regan rings in, modern boxing and Ollie's family.

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