PADDY Donovan lived up to his billing as ‘The Real Deal’ with an eye-catching defeat of Sam O’Masion at the 3Arena Dublin last weekend.
On the undercard of the Katie Taylor bout, the Andy Lee trained light welter, who came into the fight as a free agent, dominated from early and comfortably completed the job inside time to a huge cheer from his travelling support.
In the decisive sixth round, a big right hand from the Limerick-based southpaw hurt the English fighter and, sensing victory, Donovan went for the finish. O’Maison hit the deck, rose to unsteady legs. His corner saved him from taking any more unnecessary punishment.
The impressive win moves Donovan to 11 straight victories in the professional ranks, eight of which have been by way of knockout.
Enthused Lee: “Paddy can punch. I hold pads for everybody, Joseph Parker, Tyson Fury, all of these fighters, and none of them hit as hard as Paddy. It’s hard to get him sparring never mind opponents. He can box and has a bit of flair about him. He is the next face of Irish boxing.”
In his amateur days, Donovan won an impressive 13 national titles.
SOCCER:
AT THEIR first attempt, newly formed Dromore United again belied their underdogs tag to beat Glin Rovers in the Desmond Cup Final at Mick Hanley Park, Clounreask (Askeaton).
After 120 minutes of action failed to separate the teams, the destination of the cup was decided on penalties, with Dromore coming through 4-2. James Ranahan brilliantly saved twice in the shoot-out, while the winner came from Tiernan Meaney.
Dromore are an amalgamation of Pallaskenry FC and Kildimo United, and were under the astute management of Billy O’Sullivan and Damien Neville.
The winners were superbly captained all season by Barry Walsh.
In the LDMC, the Premier League is at its most interesting and on Saturday it’s a potential title decider with leaders Pike Rovers home to Fairview Rangers. Anticipate goals here from Shane Clarke (Pike) and Conor Ellis (Fairview). Kick-off is at 6.30pm.
The Lawson Cup Final between Aisling Annacotty and Fairview Rangers has been confirmed for Jackman Park on Friday week (June 2).
Meanwhile in the League of Ireland, Treaty United will attempt to return to winning ways when Finn Harps are visitors to the Markets Field on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).
Leaders Galway United denied the local outfit a fifth First Division League win on the trot, with a clear-cut 3-0 victory at the same venue last time out. The outcome was an unwelcome 44th birthday present for Treaty manager Tommy Barrett.
GRANT SUPPORT:
UNDER a Community Recognition Fund, St Kieran’s GAA Club were the largest recipients of grant support.
The West Limerick club has been allocated €165,000 for the purchase and development of a pitch and associated facilities, while other sporting grants were given to the likes of Ballybrown GAA (€35,000), Kilmallock AC (€25,000), Mungret St Paul’s (€25,000), St Patrick’s GAA (€25,000), Kildimo GAA (€20,000), Breska Rovers (€15,000), Cappamore GAA (€15,000), Castleconnell Boat Club (€12,000), St Senan’s GAA (€10,000), Glin Rovers (€7,000), Glin GAA (€6,000), Ballinacurra Gaels (€5,000), Lisnagry FC (€5,000), Kilmallock Camogie (€5,000), and Young Munster RFC (€3,000).
The fund is targeted at projects in communities hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection applicants.
