Irish eyes were smiling at the King's Hall in Belfast this morning when a large gathering of Rinty Monaghan's family and many famous names in Northern Ireland boxing, came together to unveil a blue plaque, in celebration of the life and achievements of one of Belfast's most illustrious sons. The Ulster History Circle had worked for a long time to bring the event to fruition with the help and sponsorship of Belfast City Council. Sure Rinty himself must have been smiling and singing his favourite song to see happy an occasion.

Family members had come from the USA to be there, including grandsons Sean and Kevin McCann. Kevin, a splendid figure in the full dress uniform of the United States armed forces is married with two children, 6 and 4 and told me that he had been in the army for sixteen years and had served in Bosnia and other theatres abroad.

Doreen Corcoran, Chair of the Ulster History Circle spoke of her life-long interest in boxing and produced her old autograph book signed by Rinty after the title fight. She thanked the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for supplying the venue and the hospitality and Belfast City Council for its sponsorship. Councillor Diane Dodds on behalf of the Council emphasised the importance it placed on events such as these which both honoured worthy individuals and promoted the city and its people.

The unveiling was carried out by Rinty's three daughters, Collete Pill, Rosetta Speers and Martha McCann, ably assisted by Rinty's brother Patsy and grandsons Sean and Kevin McCann. It was good to see Rinty's trophys on display.

As the proceedings ended and Rinty's daughters sang his song "When Irish eyes are smiling", there wasn't a dry eye in the house.