LOCAL boxing legend Paddy Kenny – a “father figure” to thousands of young boys – has died at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Rhyl aged 82.

James Patrick Kenny, of Rhyl, started the Rhyl Amateur Boxing Club in 1958 in premises at the rear of the old Tudor Café.

He maintained his links with the club for half a century.

Born in Ireland, the ex-Army man was a well-respected figure in the world of amateur boxing.

John Drummond, 52, who trained with him as a 12-year-old, said: “Thousands of boys went through his club, including many Welsh champions, he had eight champions in one year.

“Someone else took over the training some years ago, but he maintained his connection with the club.

“He was a ground worker but he gave up a lot of overtime and weekend work to take lads boxing. I trained with him three times a week and then there were the shows. He was like a father figure to everyone, and gave us advice.

“He took lads from fighting on the streets and got them fighting in the ring, the local constabulary have a lot to thank him for.”

The club moved to Rhyl town hall and then to the Rhyl Sports Centre and is now in the old scout hut.

“He was a well respected international trainer,” added Mr Drummond.

Mr Kenny, who had been ill, died peacefully at the Royal Alexandra on Friday, October 31.

He leaves a wife Pat, and daughters Pat and Samantha and son Michael, and sons-in-law Geoff and Tony and daughter-in-law Dawn.

He also leaves grandchildren Carl, Indra, Gerrard, Genine, Spencer, Oliver and Daniel, and great grandchildren Owen, Ewan, Joshua, Freya and Callie.

There will be a Requiem Mass at St.Mary’s RC Church, Rhyl, this Friday, at 12.30 followed by interment at Rhyl cemetery.