Danno O’Mahony became box-office smash in Boston

Eighty years before Conor McGregor stormed the US, a little-known former army private did something similar.

As you snake through the narrow streets of Ballydehob in deepest West Cork, you’ll come upon an imposing bronze statue. A square-jawed, barrel-chested, Augustus-like figure peers down at you with steely-eyed intent.

The inscription is simple, the story behind it much more complex: ‘Danno. Heavyweight All In Wrestling Champion Of The World 1935-1936.’ Myths surround Danno O’Mahony’s early years.