Andy Reilly and Michael McLaughlin get stuck in during their bout at the ‘Hassle in the Castle’ event in Westport.
‘Hassle in the Castle’ a success 
Feature Daniel Carey “THE boxing boys really know how to put on a show,” one man commented as he made his way out of the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport last Thursday night. He had been part of the large crowd which descended on the Dome Suite for ‘The Hassle in the Castle’, Westport’s first ever night of white collar boxing. And like many of those experiencing the noble art for the first time, he left a very satisfied customer.
The event, which involved novice boxers who have undergone intensive training over the past two months, raised funds for Eagle Boxing Club and the Martin Keane Fuel Appeal. It was presided over by the irrepressible Harry McGavock, who brought an element of razzmatazz to the proceedings. The Belfast MC’s promise of ‘a night to remember’ was certainly fulfilled.
As Thin Lizzy’s ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ rang out, all 18 participants were brought to the ring. They were accompanied by five individuals who were on duty for every single fight – Castlebar referee Mick Quinn, along with the duo in the red corner, Patrick Joyce and Ruaidhrí Eade, plus their ‘blue corner’ counterparts, Finbarr Eade and John Joyce.
The introductions for ‘Muhammad Ali’ Keegan (better known as Ollie) and Mark Fadian set the trend for the night. Keegan landed the first punch of the evening, and there was a lively second round in a bout that eventually finished in a draw.
There was a similar outcome when Anthony ‘Fat Tony’ Finnegan and Johnny ‘The Buckfield Warrior’ Henry went head to head. Henry managed to draw blood from his opponent towards the end of a decent third round, and McGavock joked that the referee was ‘probably scared to give a decision’!
The third fight – between Shane ‘The Hitman’ Keaveney and Mark ‘The Guillotine Man’ Gillan – was a super contest. Gillan, roared on by his own fan club, briefly put his impressive opponent down in the second before getting the verdict. “They must have had an argument some time,” McGavock said with a smile as both boxers accepted well-deserved applause.
A heavyweight meeting between ‘Purdy’ (Micheál Cusack) and ‘The Duck’ (Alan Burke) produced one moment of grappling in the style of a rolling maul. Cusack landed more punches, and got the decision after a well-received three rounds.
Brian Durcan’s rattling good skirmish with Brendan ‘Noddy’ McKeown ended in a draw. McKeown, ‘The Punching Poet’ entered the ring with the ‘Noddy’ theme tune being played, and there was plenty of encouragement for both participants over the course of the three 90-second rounds. One spectator got a big laugh when he greeted a particularly hit with the words ‘One two, Uniflu!’
Cosy Joe O’Malley drew with James Hickey in what McGavock called ‘one hell of a big contest’. It was an old-fashioned brawl in the best sense. “Cosy Joe was spectacular in the first two rounds, and by God, did our Jamesy come back,” was the MC’s summation.
Michael McLaughlin and Declan Dever both took part sporting t-shirts which sought number one votes in the forthcoming elections. McLaughlin beat his second cousin, Andy Reilly, landing a huge smack to the face in round three.
That bout also signalled the arrival of a fully-suited St Patrick (AKA John Durcan), who shadow-boxed and unveiled a series of two-sided cards. From ‘round one … or is it?’ to ‘Podge ‘n’ Rodge – look out’, and from ‘ref needs alcohol’ to ‘Mayo for Christy Ring’, he covered a wide variety of topics.
The penultimate contest, between Declan Dever and Mick Reilly was judged a draw. Reilly landed a flurry of punches early on, but the second and third rounds produced few big hits.
“Let’s get ready to ruuuuumm-ble!” McGavock bellowed before the ‘main event’, in which Alan ‘Monkey’ Cusack met Dave Keane. There was a ferocious start and some full-on contact, but the outstanding Cusack finished an extremely tough fight with a flourish before being named the winner. One supporter even did a more than passable impression of a monkey sound in honour of the occasion.
Cllr Martin Keane, Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, received what McGavock described as ‘the biggest cheer a Lord Mayor has ever got in Europe’ when he was introduced at the beginning. “I hope this is the first of many shows you’ll put on,” he told the crowd. After last week’s event, it may not be too soon before we see something similar.
The organisers wish to thank the Castlecourt Hotel, Dr Rossa Horgan, the Order of Malta, video cameraman Dave Sneddon, and their sponsors: Mango’s Restaurant, The Helm, Cosy Joe’s, La Bella Vita, Sol Rio, Cabots Source – Linenmill Restaurant, Michael McLaughlin Photographer, and McGing’s Bar.
