*Michael O’Malley and James McGuire.
KILMALEY GAA club are getting ready to rumble with a fight night to take place at the beginning of March.
In a bid to raise funds for the year ahead, hurlers and camogie players from Kilmaley will be stepping into the ring for a fight night on Saturday March 2nd at Hotel Woodstock.
The adult hurlers are doubling up and using this fundraiser as pre-season training. replacing running in muddy fields with the boxing ring.
Tommy Barry, a midfielder on Kilmaley’s senior team said, “This is a new experience for everyone. We had never heard of it done before and after one session I think we were all hooked”.
Speed coach Martin Bennett from Offaly who was involved with Kilmaley last year and Jamie Keane of Kilkishen have trained the boxers to a professional standard. Both trainers are competitive boxers and the skills they have passed on will be seen on the night.
Bennett who has coached Aaron Gillane and Tony Griffin on a one-to-one basis outlined, “Until you’ve been in a boxing ring yourself, you can’t really explain how brave these guys are by doing this. Jamie and myself are just coaching what we know but the lads and ladies getting into the ring that night deserve all the praise possible. Everyone sells lines to raise money, these people are putting their bodies on the line for the club”.
Confidence was voiced by last year’s senior captain Daire Keane that the event would be a success. “The players are driving all of this and the response from every person and many companies has been unreal. This night will be a success because of all the people supporting it. We want to make sure it’s a great night for the players, the club and sponsors.
Emmet Pyne who has been club chairman for the past two years added, “This event is bringing the entire parish and club together. So many companies and people have been supporting this event so far for which the players involved and club itself are so grateful.
“EI Electronics & MMEL Ltd have come on board as the main sponsors for the night. Then we aim to have a sponsor for every fight and every fighter. The amazing thing is the players started this and are driving this to be the success it will be. It’s their way of giving back to the club I suppose and they picked a unique event”.
Some of the fights confirmed for the night include Michael O’Malley versus James McGuire, Noel Casey versus Peter Ronan, Daire Keane versus Enda Haren, Conor Neylon against Bryan O’Loughlin, Tom O’Rourke against Joe Carmody and Sean Kennedy versus Tommy Barry.
There are still sponsorship opportunities available for the night ranging from €50 to €1,500 and all the details can be seen on the social media pages, Kilmaley Fight Night.
