Seconds out for Trim and Dunderry

If all the hype is to be believed, then the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle or the 1975 Thrilla in Manila won’t hold a candle to the boxing fare anticipated when the GAA clubs of Trim and Dunderry clash in what promises to be an explosive night of boxing at Trim GAA clubhouse on Friday 20th November. For the past five weeks 24 volunteers from both clubs have taken part in intensive boxing training under the expert eye of former amateur champion and Trim man Kevin Cummiskey. Last Thursday night fighters and members from both clubs gathered at the Trim venue to officially launch the event. There was an obvious air of anticipation about the forthcoming battle, but despite the underlying current of a fight brewing, both sets of would-be boxers appeared to be on friendly terms. “When these lads step into the ring on the night they will leave every bit of sweat and effort in that ring, but I can guarantee that when the final bell sounds the embrace of those two fighters will be very strong,” said Cummiskey. “All these lads have shown tremendous commitment and they are all looking forward to the event. This will be an experience they will never forget and at the end of it all they will have made friends for life. “I’m delighted to be involved. Trim is my home parish and I work for a Dunderry man, so this is a great thrill for me. “Since I first took up boxing under my first coach Jody Keegan and my father, I’ve always loved it and these lads will be the same,” said Cummiskey. Both club chairmen, Trim’s CJ Murtagh and Dunderry’s Mick Minogue, also set the tone for the evening with rousing battle cries for their respective teams, but underneath it all both clubs have formed a strong bond through this venture. “This is sure to bring our two clubs closer together and I’m delighted that we can strive to make Friday 20th November a successful night for both of our clubs,” said Murtagh. “This is a great night for our neighbouring parishes, we are all really looking forward to the occasion and it promises to be a great night,” said Minogue. “It has been a hard few weeks training, but it has been brilliant. It would really give you a taste to keep boxing when this is finished. “We are all really looking forward to the fight night and hopefully there will be a big crowd,” said Trim’s Tosh Barry. Tickets (€20) are available from both clubs. It is anticipated that there will be a minimum of 12 bouts on the card.