Charles (Chick) Cairney

Charles (Chick) Cairney was born in 1901.

At the young age of 27 years old, on Saturday 25th February 1928, sadly his funeral took place in High Blantyre Cemetery. Charles had a passion for boxing and it was this that led to his demise. The boxer collapsed during a bout with a Barrhead boxer at the St Mary Street Hall, Edinburgh, on Monday 20th February 1928.

He was a professional boxer who was active between 1923 and 1928. He boxed at bantamweight; featherweight and took part in 43 professional contests. He collapsed after fighting five rounds with J. McQuade of Glasgow, in Edinburgh but died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. He was well-known Scottish boxer, and for several years had met with fair success in the ring. His best performance was earlier in 1928 , when he qualified for the final a £100 gold belt competition promoted by a Glasgow club. He should have fought this final the previous fortnight, but owing to illness the contest had to be postponed. Cairney was employed at Earnock Colliery, Hamilton. He left a widow and three children.

The funeral procession left from his home at 5 John Street, Blantyre, and was largely attended, there being over 200 mourners present.

Many well-known followers of boxing, as well as managers were present. I didn’t manage to find a picture of Chic, but I did find his gravestone.