The gloves are off for 9/11 veteran firefighters

New York firefighters who battled the Twin Towers terrorist attacks on 9/11 are among a contingent of boxers taking to the ring in a friendly tournament against gardaí and members of a Co Cork boxing club.

The bouts, to be staged at Cork’s Kingsley Hotel on October 30, will raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation.

It’s the first time the New York Fire Department has sent a boxing team to Ireland and the event is being organised by the Rylane Boxing Club (RBC). RBC coach Dan Lane said his club and the gardaí will each put up four fighters to challenge the US firemen.

Among those in the Irish selection are Garda Adam Nolan, who boxed in the Olympics; Rylane’s David Barrett, who won a national intermediate title when he was 18; and clubmate Timmy Lehane, who won the novice nationals last year.

It’s a return event for the Americans who won 5-3 on St Patrick’s Day when they lined out against the Rylane/Garda team at Webster Hall, in Time Square, New York — a venue made famous by Elvis and The Beatles.

“A number of the coaches coming from New York are 9/11 veterans. They will be staying in Ireland for a week and received great sponsorship from companies in America,” Mr Lane said.

- Tickets cost €15 from Rylane Post Office, members of the local boxing club or at The Wash bar in Washington Street, or contact 021 7339001.