International-class boxing coming to Bantry

THE Garda and Rylane Boxing clubs are set to take on their Massachusetts State Police counterparts in an evening of top-class bouts at the Westlodge Hotel in aid of Bantry Hospice.

A quality card containing some of the best male and female pugilists the Cork region currently has to offer will go toe to toe with an experienced American squad on Saturday, November 10th in Bantry.

Rylane club stalwart Dan Lane is behind yet another unique boxing event likely to attract a huge attendance with some familiar names stepping between the ropes.

‘We have boxed many famous American organisations over the past ten years and our latest set of bouts against the Massachusetts State Police should make for a very entertaining evening,’ Lane told The Southern Star.

‘The New York Police are a group we would have come up against recently enough and now we are boxing Boston’s Police. It has been a home and away venture for the Garda and Rylane boxers over the last decade, going to the USA one year and then hosting an American group of boxers the next.’

Lane has coached at the Rylane club near Coachford for over 40 years. Rylane cater for a broad age range, male and female, from ten-year olds up to senior. There are currently 75 active boxers involved with the club.

On November 10th, the combined Garda and Rylane boxers will use the Bantry event to benefit a local charity. Funds raised on the night will go to the Bantry Hospice, something Dan Lane is very proud of.

‘Every time we organise one of our boxing cards we also raise funds for a chosen charity or similar organisation. Bantry Hospice is set to benefit from the event at the Westlodge,’ Lane explained.

‘The background to all of this began when I first teamed up with the man in charge of the Garda boxing club, Larry Morrison, over 15 years ago. We first boxed over in New York as part of a fundraiser for 911. Then, they came over and it has continued on since then. 

‘I started Rylane 40 years ago and coached individuals that have since boxed all over the world. I have been around the globe myself as a coach on the Irish Senior team. In terms of boxing events, we have held hugely successful shows in top venues like the INEC Killarney, Green Glens in Millstreet and Rochestown Park (hotel).’

Anyone lucky enough to grab a ticket for what should be an enthralling evening will get to witness some of the country’s best Irish amateur boxers in action.

‘Four-time senior champion and former Olympian Adam Nolan will be involved on the night,’ Lane confirmed.

‘Rylane’s Irish champion David Barrett will also be boxing. Donal Óg O’Leary (brother of former Cork footballer Noel O’Leary), Christine Desmond and three Irish champions from the Rylane club; Linda Desmond, Megan Lehane and Leah Lehane will be involved too.’

A terrific night is guaranteed at the West Lodge Hotel where Dan Lane and his Garda-Rylane boxers are set to entertain another bumper crowd in aid of Bantry Hospice.

• Tickets are on sale at the Westlodge Hotel or else you can contact 021-7339001 or 087-7785757. Tickets, at great value, cost €15 per adult and €5 for underage. Sales are going well so it is advisable to purchase your ticket early.

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