Ex-Mayor takes to boxing ring to help fight heart disease

 A former Mayor of Galway is preparing to go into the boxing ring – though not with any of his party rivals but with other contestants who, like him, want to raise money for a good cause.

 Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Crowe is the only politician to sign up for the nine week training programme for the Irish Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Fight Night which takes place in the Radisson Blu Hotel on March 14.

Up to forty people have signed up for the challenge, launched in Pete Foley’s Black Dragon Kickboxing Gym on the Tuam Road.

Cllr Crowe said he was all set to train Tuesday and Thursday evenings under Pete’s tutelage and to also undertake a self-imposed healthier lifestyle for the next few weeks.

“It’s something I meant to do last year but I didn’t get around to it so I was determined to commit to it this year. It’s for a good cause and as well as it being a fundraiser, we will also be raising awareness about heart disease.

“I suppose the easiest part was the photo session on Thursday but when Pete outlined what was ahead for us and what would be expected of us as we are put through rigorous training for the fight night, I realised just what I had committed to.

“Between now and the fight night, there will be thirty training sessions with Pete and though I am a little bit fearful of it, I am prepared for the physicality of it,” says the Councillor who hasn’t had such a vigorous training schedule since he was an oarsman with the Bish.

“I am a virgin boxer, having never boxed in the ring before. On the night we will be expected to box in three one-and-a-half-minute bouts. It sounds short but I imagine in the ring at a public event, it could be much longer!”

Cllr Crowe doesn’t smoke but appreciates that he will have to take a healthier approach to his lifestyle in general which will including cutting down his alcohol intake and watching what he eats.

He admits that his real weakness is for a “quality burger every now and again” but that he may have to sacrifice this.

As well as helping to sell tickets for the event, each contestant will be expected to raise a minimum of €700 in sponsorship. There is still a week left for people to sign up.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel