BOXING: Seconds out for RNLI fundraiser

The venue plays host to a White Collar Boxing event in aid of the RNLI.

White Collar Boxing is becoming increasingly popular as a fundraising event and involves people who have never boxed before undergoing intensive training by professionals over a six week period to prepare them to fight on the night. The fight itself consists of three one and a half minute rounds with a thirty second rest.

Alun Owen, Andy McCleland, Jenny Parkhill, Anna Curly, Vicky Todd, Chantell Black, Dean Quinn, Colin Quinn, John Mcfaul, Steve Burns, Kane Cuttmore, Darrel Mccorriston, Neville Maguire and Barry Martin.

One of the boxers, Andy McClelland, is also one of Portrush Lifeboat’s newest volunteer crew members.

Andy is being trained by Aiddie Gardiner of Skerries ABC in Portrush and all proceeds from the night will go to Portrush Lifeboat Station.

Andy who is also the World Junior Surf Kayaking champion said: “I have just started training and am using different muscles from I would usually use and the training is very different, but I’m definitely getting a buzz from it. I’m delighted that all proceeds are going to the RNLI as being a crew member I know how much we depend on donations to help us save lives at sea.”

Andy added: “I’d like to thank my sponsors Armstrong Gordon Estate Agents in Portstewart, for their generous sponsorship, my trainer, Jonny McGarvey and Aiddie Gardiner of ABC boxing for giving us the chance to take part and raise funds for charity.”

Robin Cardwell Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “We are all very proud of Andy. As one of our newest crew members he has really taken to the role of a volunteer crewman and it’s great to get some of our young people coming through. We are delighted that he has chosen to take part in this event to raise funds for the Station.”

Ring Master for the evening will be Alan Simpson, who will be joined by special guests former world Welterweight champion Eamon Loughran and local legend Micky ‘The Sheriff’ McCafferty.

Limited tickets for the event are on sale now from Portrush Playhouse Portrush, telephone 02870 824435 or 02870 822402 priced £20.

Doors open 7.30pm