Lane-way to title success for Cork

THE Cork senior footballers return to action tonight but not on the playing field – the Leesiders are to participate in a charity boxing tournament in the Rochestown Park Hotel.

Sat, 07 Jan, 2012 - 00:00

Michael Moynihan

Proceeds from the evening go to the Cobh-based charity ‘Breaking The Silence’, which deals with suicide prevention.

“We’ve been involved with Breaking The Silence for a few years now,” said Cork footballer Pearse O’Neill, one of the organisers of the event.

“We’ve had a good relationship with them, they’ve been very supportive of us over the years and I’d hope we’ve been the same with them. Obviously suicide is unfortunately very prevalent around the country, not just in Cork, so it’s great to collect a few euro for such a worthwhile cause.”

Though most of the bouts are between the panellists, some Cork players face ‘outside’ opposition. Wing-back Noel O’Leary faces Thurles native John Connors, defender Graham Canty faces Alan McCarthy, also of Thurles, while O’Neill himself fights Roscrea’s Michael Burke.

“Dan Lane of Rylane Boxing Club trains us,” says O’Neill. “He puts together the matches with his contacts in different boxing clubs. Most of the bouts are among ourselves but we’ve a few lads coming down from Tipperary as well. There are 14 bouts scheduled, so that means most of the panel will get into the ring tonight.”

O’Neill admits focusing on boxing after years of Gaelic football can be a challenge. “It’s very different, obviously, and it can take a while to get into it, but it’s also very enjoyable. Dan (Lane) is the key to the whole thing. Anyone who knows Dan will know how good he is to work with. So, while the training is challenging it’s also enjoyable, which is a big help.”

The Cork footballers first entered the ring three years ago and this year they’ve trained twice a week in recent months, including a session on St Stephen’s Day. Tickets are available (€10 adults, €5 children) for the event which begins at 8pm. For information contact Eoin O’Mahony 087 9210718 and Ger O’Sullivan 086 2461632. Tickets will also be available on the door.