Friday 9 Sep 2016
Boxing Legend Benny Lynch remembered at Glasgow Central
- Region & Route:
- Scotland’s Railway: Scotland
Gloves, trophies and memorabilia depicting the life of boxing legend Benny Lynch are on display today (Friday, September 9) at Glasgow Central station.
Visiting for one day only, the travelling exhibition coincides with the 81st anniversary of the day Lynch became Scotland’s first ever World Champion boxer.
After winning the fight against fancied champion Jacki Brown in Manchester 1935, Lynch travelled back to Glasgow by train to be greeted by a crowd of around 100,000 people who packed in to the station and lined the streets to celebrate his achievement.
Hosted by Glasgow Museums and the Remembering Benny Lynch campaign group, the travelling exhibition showcases the World and European Championship trophies won by Lynch who was from the Gorbals area of Glasgow.
Open Museum outreach assistant Kevin Kerrigan said: “Benny Lynch is Scotland's greatest ever sporting legend. He was our first World boxing champion and he inspired thousands since his memorable win 81 years ago. It is important that future generations are aware of his legacy.”
Shift station manager Ross Kerr said: “Glasgow Central station is an iconic city landmark and it’s great that we can celebrate and share its past and strong connection with Glaswegians through exhibitions like this one.
“You can only imagine the anticipation and excitement that Benny Lynch caused when he first arrived on the concourse to be greeted by over one hundred thousand people and Glasgow Central will forever be part of that moment in history.”
After leaving Central station today at 16:00, the travelling exhibition will move to Glasgow Museum’s Resource Centre where it will be on public display, before moving to Bridgeton Library on 5th October. For more information please visit www.glasgowmuseums.com.
To learn more about the life of Benny Lynch and the campaign group in his honour, visit: http://penny4benny.wixsite.com/bennylynch
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