Boxing for the Irish Heart Foundation

THE Clarion hotel hosted the annual White Collar fundraising boxing event designed for big- hearted women and men around the country to take part in.

Hundreds of spectators showed up to the Clarion Hotel on Saturday night to watch the boxers hope for victory.

The Big Heart Fight night saw participants raising much need funds for the Irish Heart Foundation on Saturday last.

The brave men and women put in close to eight weeks of rigorous training sessions to prepare for Saturday night’s showdown.

The participants were matched up against their opponents in a bout of 3 x 1 minute rounds.

Organisers were thrilled with the success of the event.

It’s become a hugely popular annual fundraiser for the charity and is widely supported every year.

The nationwide event is designed to allow people to get in shape, make new friends, boost their confidence levels as well as raising some money for charity.

No boxing experience is necessary and training started in the last week of September where the beginner boxers learned the basics of the sport, while also getting super fit to step into the ring for the ultimate challenge.

Expert matchmakers were responsible for making sure each contest was evenly matched.

Variables such as age, weight and ability determined a suitable match with safety being of the utmost importance - 16 ounce gloves, headgear and gum shields were compulsory.

All participants were required to complete a medical screening assessment prior to competing and were also screened by the ringside doctor on fight night.

There was some light hearted banter between the boxers and their opponents in the weeks leading up to Saturday.

Families and friends packed the Clarion Hotel for the fundraiser as the men and women stepped into the ring.

The boxers raised sponsorship costs which covered the training, set up on the night and a generous contribution to the Ireland’s national heart and stoke charity.

Visit www. irishheart. ie to find out more information about the charity or wish to donate to this good cause.

Dermot Clancy, Sharon O’Connor, Maria Faney, Jenny O’Hara and Noel Kelly at the charity fundraiser.

Laura Gaughan, Kelly Johnston, Amber Lynch and Niamh Foley.

Clive O’Donoghue senior and junior enjoying the night.

Nancy Ward and Sarah Mackey from the Irish Heart Foundation.

Cora Brown and Saoirse Byrne.