Young boxers from across Down square up in Star of the Sea Boxing Club junior fight night with exhibition matches
The Killough-based Star of the Sea Boxing Club enjoyed a great finale at their end of season boxing events at the Bright Community Centre before their summer break writes Jim Masson.
There were 14 junior bouts lined up with fights from first-timers to Irish champions. Delighted with the support for the event at the packed community centre hall, head coach Conor Rogan said: “Myself and the coaches have been busy all year working with the junior members and they are coming on brilliantly.
“The first two opener bouts in the Young Gloves Class included Louie O’Donnell and Bobby Bowen, both making their debut. They fought well and really got the crowd going from the bell against their opponents from Pegasus Boxing Club and St George’s Boxing Club.
“At the other end of the night, the final bout was between our own Irish heavyweight two-times champion Leo Laverty fighting Ryan McAllister a year ahead of him in the age categories also an Irish champion.
View Photos From The Bouts On Down News Facebook.(1)
View Photos From The Bouts On Down News Facebook.(2)
“It was a very entertaining match as both boxers went to it and showed each other respect.
“Leo Laverty at the end was presented with the Patrick Rogan Memorial Cup by Grace Rogan. He really boxed well.”
Conor Rogan added: “We are heading now into our third year and the young boxers are keen to progress.
“We have excellent support in Killough and it was great to see Terry George, producer of ‘In the Name of the Father’, get into the ring with the Killough boxers at the end of the night wishing them well.
“We invited boxers from various clubs, Pegasus, St George’s, Camough, Armagh, Rathfriland, and Saints.
“Boxers come through the age catagories from Boy 1 up to the age of 16 when they then get their boxing card at 17.
“I’d like to thank everyone who supported the club on the night, and a special thank you to Martin Rice who has been a great help to the club. A thank you to everyone who came along and enjoyed the bouts and bought raffle tickets.ank you too
Many thanks to the bout sponsors: JPL Plumbing and heating; East Down Hire; Crane’s Tyres Downpatrick; Brenda and Rocky; Pro Steam NI; Cheryl Wooley; Creative Construction; GB Poultry; Mark Moore Tiling; Kevin Deegan; Loughview Cabins Strangford; HTS Consultancy; SS Painting, McC&R Property and Building.
