From the ‘wee town on the hill’ to Madison Square Garden
Rathfriland CC ABC
RATHFRILAND Cross Community Amateur Boxing Club has never been as proud, as they prepare to watch one of their own embark on their professional boxing journey.
As an amateur boxer, Donagh Keary has been someone the club’s younger boxers can look up to as an example of the true commitment and dedication needed to make it in one of the toughest sports in the world.
As a young boxer, Donagh was the hardest training, most dedicated fighter in the club, who devoted his teenage years to training and travelling all over Ireland, the United Kingdom and the world for fights.
Achieving three Irish titles, numerous Ulster and Antrim titles, boxing in the European Championships for Ireland, winning at the prestigious Haringey Box Cup, London and winning the Golden Belt boxing tournament in Romania, Donagh has enjoyed a great amateur career.
On Sunday 16 March, Donagh, aka ‘Irish Kid Keary’, will take to the ring at the home of boxing, Madison Square Garden, New York, to make his professional fighting debut.
Only a handful of fighters ever get to fight in the Mecca of boxing, but to make your professional debut there is extra special, Michael Conlon being the first Irish fighter to debut there.
20-year-old Donagh will be following in the footsteps of great fighters such as Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitaker who graced the MSG ring on their debut.
As the latest addition to the pro ranks, Donagh is now being coached by former world champion Ryan Burnett.
Bobby Lavery, who has dedicated years to Rathfriland Boxing Club, is supporting and coaching Donagh as he prepares for his debut.
The club would like to wish Donagh and Bobby the very best as they embark on their exciting step onto the world stage.
The boxers and coaches look forward to welcoming their champion back to the club, as he continues to inspire the next generation of young fighters in Rathfriland.
