Joe Ward wants to be the “driving force” behind a post-Rio Irish boxing revival following an exodus of star names to the professional ranks.

JOE WARD may have a pocketful of gold medals — world junior, world youths, European senior and a national senior gold — but tonight he climbs into the ring with fellow Westmeath man Davy Joe Joyce to decide his Olympic future.

KENNY EGAN kept his Olympic dream alive with an emphatic victory over fellow Dubliner Michael Frayne (St. Mary’s) in the Elite Boxing Championship quarter-finals at the National Stadium on Saturday night.

One can already sense the buzz developing around this year’s Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels and the first round action suggested that Curraheen Park patrons are going to be served up some wonderful racing between now and final night.

ON what was an extremely busy Monday night in Irish greyhound racing, Michael Frayne’s Clearview Kelly set a strong pace when winning her first round heat in the Premier Fantasy Southern Oaks at Youghal.