Hall of Fame accolade for Rylane boxing legend Dan Lane
DAN Lane is always at the heart of Rylane Boxing Club and in recognition of his outstanding contribution as an administrator and promoter to boxing, the popular Muskerry sportsman joined an elite band on inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Talbot Collection Cork Sports, Business and Community Awards at a black tie Banquet hosted in the Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig.
The honour acknowledges his dedication over many years to the sport, Rylane Boxing Club was formed in 1979, Dan Lane requested by local curate Fr John Cronin to start a club for the youth in the area.
The club won their first All-Ireland in 1983 when Jerry Sheehan from Donoughmore won the Intermediate Title followed by success for Sean O’Regan and Ben O’Riordan. Continuing to create an impression, the Barrett brothers, Declan, Seanie and David from Millstreet won titles at Intermediate level.
Seanie progressed to add two senior titles, the Barrett brothers gained international caps for their dedication. To date, Rylane club have won over 20 National titles from Juvenile to Senior, at present the ladies are to the fore, Chloe Barrett, Megan Lehane and Lynda Desmond enjoying success over recent years.
Founder Dan Lane holds the honour of coach to International Senior teams on more than 30 occasions, including the World Cup, Acropolis Cup in Greece, GB Cup in Helsinki, European Seniors in East Germany and the Olympic Qualifiers in Germany and many Multi-Nation tournaments.
Hosting wise, Rylane have promoted the Four Nations in the INEC, Killarney, three Internationals in Millstreet’s Green Glens and Multi Nations in the Rochestown Park Hotel.
“I have been lucky to have a great committee who have worked hard and they all get on well together. A coach is only as good as the lads and girls that take up the sport, the training and dedication that they apply to the sport makes it a pleasure to work with them,” said Dan.
In 2004 at a Multi Nations in Rochestown Park Hotel Dan met Larry Morrison, a sergeant with An Garda Siochana and key to An Garda Boxing, the two groups teamed up to box The NYPD.
Rylane’s boxers are no strangers to Madison Square Gardens, Webster Hall and the New York Athletic Club. They also boxed The New York Fire Department for five years and Boston Police.
“All shows were home and away, the Cork representatives got great experience and enjoyment from these occasions.
“I’ve learned a lot from the boxers, some may be shy and quiet but the training and going into the ring gives them great confidence. To see a young boy or girl win a fight is brilliant and the excitement it gives the whole family is wonderful,” said Dan.