Raphoe ABC will start its 31st year in operation with a trip to Birmingham this weekend for a tournament at Villa Park.
Over 600 tickets have already been snapped up for Friday night’s action in the Holte Suite.
Picture: Gerard Keaveney and Dennis Lafferty.
World and European Youth bronze medallist Jude Gallagher from Two Castles is among the guest punchers heading across the Irish Sea.
The Tyrone fly-weight is joined by his club-mate Tiarnan Mayse, fellow Tyrone punchers Craig Bigger and Paul Hanna.
Derry boxers Dominic Bradley, a six-time Irish champion and Thomas Brolly are in action as is the explosive Bryan McNamee, from neighbouring Convoy ABC.
Long-serving Raphoe welter Dennis Lafferty will lead the Raphoe ABC contingent and will face former British Youth kingping Bradley Ferrie.
The opposition comes in the form of boxers from the Paddy Brennan Boxing Academy and the Second City Boxing Club, who are under the watch of Paddy Farrell.
Eoin McGarrell will be in action in Villa Park
“The Raphoe club has built up a strong relationship with the two clubs in Birmingham,” says Raphoe ABC Chairman Peter O’Donnell, the well-known ringside announcer.
“A Birmingham selection came over to Donegal and we won nine bouts to four so the ‘Two Paddys’ will be out to reverse last year’s result, I’m sure.”
Raphoe ABC celebrated their 30th anniversary in style last year as welterweight Leah Gallen won a European Junior bronze medal – the club’s first European medal.
Gallen, who lost out to Ellouise Challenger when boxing for Ireland against England at the weekend in Bristol, will make the trip to cheer on her team-mates, including former Irish champion Cody Lafferty.
Liam Crawford, pictured with Tommy Stewart, will be in action at Villa Park
Recently crowned Ulster 9 County champions Liam McMonagle and Eoin McGarrell are slated for bouts, while Liam Crawford and Ruairi McGlinchey are also on board.
Head coach Gary McCullagh will be making the trip alongside Raphoe coaches Gerard Keaveney and Paul O’Donnell while Peter O’Donnell will don the role of team manager.
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