Olympic legend throws out a boxing challenge to public
By William O'Connor
Former Olympic champion, Michael Carruth, is urging would-be “challengers” to unite with him in the fight against cystic fibrosis as he embarks on a novel and fun fundraising effort for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI), ‘Help us Fight CF’.
The legendary boxing hero, who won gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, is getting back in the ring along with other Olympian boxers, including Kenneth Egan from Clondalkin, John Joe Nevin, Paddy Barnes and Andy Lee. The event is taking place in the National Boxing Stadium on Friday, June 28 at 7pm.
Michael Carruth with Kenneth Egan
Members of the public interested in this exciting challenge will be joining these legendary Olympians in the ring.
More high-profile names will be revealed closer to the date in what promises to be a series of thrilling encounters for those both inside – and outside – the ring.
The challenge is open to anyone who is physically fit, over 18 years old, and who fancies taking Michael, Kenneth, John Joe, Paddy or Andy on for the fun – they promise to be gentle! For full details on how to grab your spot in the blue corner, and to receive a fundraising pack, visit www.cfireland.ie
Help Us Fight CF aims to raise awareness of the fight that people with cystic fibrosis have on their hands every minute of the day. Funds raised will go to provide much-needed supports and services, including patient grants for exercise, transplant assessment, fertility treatment and counselling, as well as research and new healthcare facilities. Ireland has the highest rates of cystic fibrosis in the world and some of the most severe types of the disease, with more than 1,300 people living with cystic fibrosis nationwide.
An ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, former Drimnagh Boxing club member Michael devised this amazing fundraising challenge and roped in his fellow Olympic boxing medallists;
“I am delighted to be organising this event to help support people living with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. I am far too young to be considering throwing in the towel and if I can get back in the ring, then I have put out the challenge to the other Olympic boxing medallists to do likewise in our ‘Help us fight CF’ challenge. I have been knocked out with support from my fellow boxers.
“I am calling on anyone that would like to spar for a one-minute round against me or any of the Olympian champion boxers in the National Stadium on Friday night, June 28 to sign up now at www.cfireland.ie.
“We have everything in place. We will be in the red corner and you’ll be in the blue corner with your own team behind you. We will supply the gear on the night and the sparring will be adapted to your level of ability. At the end of the round, we’ll even have time for a photo together in the middle of the ring – if you are still standing!
“We’re asking everyone that signs up to pay a minimum registration fee of €50 and then to fundraise to support this great cause.
“It will be a wonderful night’s entertainment so bring your family and friends along to see how you get on in the ring with a former Olympic Champion.”
Members of the public are encouraged to come along and enjoy the spectacle too, and those wishing to support the challenge, but perhaps not quite up for going head-to-head against the Olympians can donate on the night. For further information on the Help Us Fight CF, contact Brendán O’Regan by email at brendan@cfireland.ie, or by phone on 01 496 2433.
