Patsy Sweeney

Patsy Sweeney was an American lightweight boxer of Irish descent. In boxing circles, he was called the "Manchester Whirlwind".

Early life Patrick "Patsy" Joseph Sweeney was born on March 3, 1879, in Clifden, County Galway, Ireland, to Peter Sweeney and Honorah "Nora" Lydon Sweeney. He emigrated to the United States from Canada with his parents and siblings in 1892, and the family settled in Manchester, New Hampshire. He and his brothers, John and Peter, all boxed professionally, but John and Peter never achieved the same level of success in the boxing ring as Patsy.

Professional career Patsy Sweeney was slight of stature, standing 5'7½" tall and weighing 133 pounds. He boxed in the featherweight and lightweight classes. His manager was Tom Maguire. Sweeney's first three professional matches were against Billy Gardner, Jimmy Gardner's brother. Although just 17 years old at the time, Langford had already amassed the impressive record of 14 wins, 1 loss, 7 draws.

Personal life Sweeney was married to Rosetta "Etta" Moran Sweeney of New York City.