ONE of the last remaining links with the renowned Lowe House boxing club has been broken by the passing of a fighter who was 'sheer dynamite' with the gloves on.

Christopher Patrick Rafferty, aged 75, of Burtonwood, died in hospital after undergoing long-term dialysis treatment.

A proud family man, he was pre-deceased by his wife Philomena several years ago.

Born at Derbyshire Hill and known as Chris throughout his 13-years under Marquess of Queensbury rules, he first touched gloves at the Lowe House 'stable' in Halefield Street in 1941, where his brothers John and Mike also fought. Along with other aspiring youngsters, lightweight Chris was coached by legendary trainer Dick Cowell and Jesuit Herman De Caires, with the ring-crafted Rafferty quickly making his mark via piston-like fists and lightning footwork.

Amateur Boxing Association and Lowe House championship successes followed, with the ultimate accolade of international honours coming in there wake for miner Chris before he turned professional in 1951 on being approached by manager Tom Hurst, who had guided Bruce Woodcock to the British heavyweight crown.

However, homebird Rafferty left Lowe House boxing club - formed by Father Robert Finnemore in 1931 - with mixed feelings for he had forged many lasting friendships within the fight game during his 10 battling years at Halefield Street. These included Jim Molloy, Eric Marsden, Bill Connor, Ray Sheil, Jimmy Allen, Wilf Glynn, Albert Freeman, Frank Atherton, Jim Keenaghan, Arthur Cunningham, Emmett Kenny and Frank Drury.

Understandably, given the passage of time, some of these household names of an earlier generation have passed on.

But, nonetheless, the 'noble art' of boxing was well represented at the Requiem Mass for Christopher Patrick Rafferty at St Paul of the Cross Church, Burtonwood.

By Denis Whittle