Ireland has always been famous for her glovemen, men who pitted logic, strength and stamina against the men of other nations on the world's canvas stage. Some even became Olympic medal winners. John McNally was just one of those fighters but unlike the many who followed in his footsteps to find fame and fortune his name is now largely forgotten excpet to the real bocing aficionado.

John McNally won silver in the Olympics Games held in Helsinki in 1952. This is the story of a boxer who fought against overwhelming odds to escape the mean streets of Belfast to reach the heights of his sport.

On Friday 4 January 2008, the Irish Amateur Boxing Association inducted John McNally into its Hall of Fame. The Olympian received a standing ovation as RTÉ'S Jimmy Magee paid tribute to him, declaring McNally a the 'pathfinder' of Irish boxing who had inspired many generations to glory by his feat in Helsinki.