Almost €40,000 has been raised after another terrific Lord of the Rings white-collar boxing night organised by Letterkenny Rugby Club and Friends of Letterkenny Hospital.
More than 1,200 people turned up at the gala night at the Silver Tassie Hotel to see 32 brave boxers give it their all.
Co-organisers Brian Gribbon and Boyd Robinson said they had never expected Friday night’s event would match the inaugural even last year – but it did!
“It’s hard to believe we all pulled it off again – but we did. It was a terrific night and tribute has to go firstly to the 32 boxers who gave up their time for the past two months for the event.
“From the first fight it was a terrific night and I think anyone who was there will agree it was more than value for money. It was a great occasion,” said the lads.
They also paid huge tribute to boxing coaches Danny Ryan, Brendan Ryan and Tommy Stewart who gave up their time to help all the participants.
It was hard to single out a fight of the night but many thought the match between Highland Radio’s Kevin Collins and Padraig Breslin from Falcarragh was a breath-taking affair from start to finish.
Another bruising encounter was between another Highland Radio man Barry White and John Curran.
Brian Gribbon said he is hopeful they can raise around the same money as last year for both charities.
“All the money is not in yet but we would be hopeful of raising the same kind of money as last year.
“It was a terrific night and it was great to work alongside Friends of Letterkenny General Hospital again.
“I don’t think there’s any question we can give it another go again next year,” he said.
Indeed Mr Gribbon and his co-organiser Mr Robinson both had a bruising encounter themselves when they were coaxed into a hastily arranged ‘grudge’ match during he interval.
But when it became obvious it was hard to land a punch wearing sumo wrestling suits, it was decided a dance-off was the only way to find a clear-cut winner.
Needless to say chances of either receiving invitations to join a Strictly Come Dancing charity event are remote.
The night was ended in perfect fashion when well-known singer and boxer on the night Karol Harvey led the other 31 boxers in an emotional version of the national anthem.
“We couldn’t have ended the night on a more perfect note. I was very proud to be part of it,” said Brian Gribbon.
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