Gibby Turnbull was involved in amateur boxing as a boxer before he started in a coaching capacity in 1975 at the Grangemouth ABC, as his sons Billy David and Neil all wanted to learn how to box. Gibby then went on to set up his own club in Kincardine in 1976. In 1992 Gibby was approached by Clackmannanshire Council to set up a boxing club, which, he accepted. This was the beginning of the Alloa ABC, which was based in the Spiers Centre in Alloa.
On numerous occasions, Gibby was called on to travel with the National Squad to International competitions, one of which being a trip to Ireland in 1987, which is fondly remembered by the then Scotland Team Manager Jimmy Dunn. The tournament was called the Olympic Connection for bringing together the Scotland Coach Dick McTaggart MBE and Olympic Gold Medalist in 1956 with Irish boxers who had competed at the 1956 Olympics, such as former World Bantam Weight Champion Johnny Caldwell.
The thing Jimmy remembers most of all from the trip, actually happened after the boxing had finished. As a thank you for making the trip with the Scotland team and Dick McTaggart, the Irish had organised a function where they had a singer perform a variety of Scottish songs. Jimmy Dunn thought this was a great touch from the Irish and remarked to Gibby, it would be nice to return the compliment. To Jimmy’s surprise, Gibby said he would sing a song for the Irish and when he belted out Danny Boy, he really brought the house down. This was the perfect end to the trip where Scotland also came out on top in the ring, winning 8 by bouts to 2.
Gibby was an excellent coach producing many champions and medalists over the years – Billy & Hugh Collins, Mick Miller, Lawrence Meldrum, John & Kris Whyte, John Mrozs, Darin Reid, Shaun Millar, David & Josh Barnes, Brandon Brown & Robbie Jack and many many more.
Gibby coached youngsters to be not only good boxers but fine young men – something he took great pride in.
Gibby also has influenced and helped many of the younger coaches and clubs involved in the sport today including Alec Docherty – Kelty, Mick Miller – Campbelltown/Alloa and clubs like Kelty, Stirling, Zetland, Hillpark, 1314 and the list goes on.
Gibby leaves behind a wonderful Boxing Facility in Alloa, a legacy he was immensely proud of. Alloa ABC and ABS will sorely miss Gibby first and foremost as a wonderful man and absolute gentleman of the sport and secondly for the enormous contribution he gave to Amateur Boxing and his local community.
Alloa ABC, Ruth Turnbull & Family would also like to thank all the clubs/individuals for their kind words & messages of support we have received over the past few Days.
Gibby was 74 when he passed away.
