Before Conor McGregor became the highest-paid MMA fighter and a global superstar, he was an apprentice plumber in Ireland, diligently training at Crumlin Boxing under the guidance of Olympian Phil Sutcliffe and Patrick “Bra” Brady. During his early days, McGregor, at just 16 years old, borrowed €70 (£60) from Bra, a career plumber, to buy some essential tools with a promise to pay back the money. However, as McGregor’s career took off, the debt remained unsettled

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Bra Brady shared with SunSport from the renowned Crumlin gym, “I’m retired now, but back then, I wanted to help Conor start his plumbing career. I knew someone who could get him the tools cheaply, so I fronted the money expecting him to pay me back gradually since he was always around the club. He agreed, but I never saw that money again.”

McGregor’s journey took a sharp turn towards fighting, leading him to UFC fame and a historic crossover boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017, where he was defeated in the tenth round. Reflecting on his roots after this bout, McGregor returned to Crumlin to reconnect with his old boxing coaches and give back to the gym that had shaped him.

In a grand gesture of gratitude, McGregor invested thousands into renovating the club, provided new equipment, and even participated in a club show to raise funds. He also ensured the coaches sported custom tracksuits, significantly uplifting the gym’s facilities and morale.

Yet, one unresolved issue lingered. Bra recalled, “It was 15 years later, and he was finally settling his old scores. He’d done so much for the club, and then he asked if I was satisfied. I told him, ‘Yeah, but there’s still one thing left—I want my 70 quid back!’”

McGregor’s story came full circle when he finally repaid the long-standing personal debt, reinforcing his ties to his beginnings at Crumlin Boxing. Though currently sidelined with a toe injury that has delayed his anticipated return against Michael Chandler, McGregor continues to frequent Crumlin Boxing, staying connected to the community and sport that launched his illustrious career.