Rylane boxers take on NYFD in Macroom
RYLANE Boxing Club added to its reputation on staging a hugely successful tournament against the New York Fire Department in the Riverside Hotel, Macroom.
Members of An Gardaí Síochana, Cork Fire Brigade and Rylane Club provided the opposition to an event that continues a growing bond of friendship either side of the Atlantic.
Rylane Boxing Coach Dan Lane said the club and Cork Gardaí had developed a strong relationship with the New York Police Department with a series of tournaments over the past decade.
And the talents of the Irish crew’s talents didn’t go unnoticed by boxing fans in the Big Apple’s fire-fighting fraternity that ensured the latest staging added to the reputation of the hosting.
“During the past ten years or so, ourselves and the Gardaí have fought boxers from the New York Police Department in Ireland and in the USA. Through that we made contact with the Fire Department and we boxed in Cork City and New York,” said Dan.
The latest tournament proved an unqualified success with huge numbers ensuring a terrific atmosphere at the Macroom venue.
“Such was the positive feedback we’ve been extended a welcome to send a return team to box in the Big Apple next March,” said Dan.
NYFD coach Bobby Maguire was again thrilled with the hospitality of the host club and friends.
“The Irish people are beautiful, it’s a fantastic trip for us, you welcome us with open arms each year. On each occasion, the sport is alive at the different locations”, he said.
“We’ve a big show coming up in New York on November 20 against the Police Department. It’s the annual Battle of the Badges, our guys looking forward to it”.
Garda organiser Larry Masterson applauded the concept of staging the tournaments in different locations, previously hosted in the Kingsley Hotel, Cork to the Green Glens Complex, Millstreet.
“There is a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes, a great commitment on either side. Proceeds from the 2015 tournaments goes towards The Heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan on a project to build homes for these guys”, he said.
The Macroom card was impressive, with the Rylane club well represented.
Tim Lehane scored an unanimous points victory over NYFD’s Matt Restrepho. For good measure, Tim’s daughter Megan and Millstreet colleagues Linda Desmond and Chloe Barrett, all underage, national champions sampled a series of terrific wins much to the delight of their supporters.