Gilroy successful in Madison Square Garden

My first ever interview, when I started off this commentary business with the then CKR FM, was with Kildare’s Jarlath Gilroy from Ballymore Eustace after he had scored two goals against Westmeath in Tullamore that helped Kildare into the Leinster Final against Dublin in 1992. 

Now 34 years later, it was a pleasure to interview Jarlath’s nephew, Darragh, who himself created history by boxing in the famous Madison Square Garden Arena in New York on Friday week last. Darragh takes up the story: 

“Although I am not a member of the Gardai ever since I was about 16, I have been sparring against the Gardai as they do a lot of training in Kilcullen," he said. 

"A couple of years ago I was asked to do a Show down in Cork with the Garda Team. A year later, last June, they told me there was a Show in New York so I went over for that. Then in September/October they told me there was a Show in Madison Square Garden in March and that took place on Friday week last.” 

23-year-old Darragh, who boxes out of Ballymore Eustace Boxing Club where his father, Alan, is a coach, fought and beat Sean Dillon in the first contest in New York and he was rematched with Dillon for the Madison Square Garden contest. 

“The Show was called 'Battle of the Badges' so there were representatives of Police and Fire Departments from around the world. The Irish Firefighters also had a team over as well as had London Fire Department and Police and Fire Departments from across the United States,” he explained. 

Two boxers represented the Garda Boxing Club.

Speaking of the fight against Dillon, Gilroy told us, “Although I beat him this time also, he definitely upped it in fairness. We got 'Fight of the Night'," he said of the 75kg middle weight fight. 

“It was a great scrap. I beat him on a split decision this time.” 

Asked about stepping out in the famed Madison Square Garden, scene of so many historic boxing contests over the years Gilroy said: 

“I tried not to think about it too much until afterwards to be honest with you. We were in the Theatre, which is the smaller venue, but there were about three thousand people there. There was some atmosphere on the night. Eight or nine of the family came over and a few Gilroys who live in New York were there as well.

“We got there on the Thursday night and just chilled out. We had the Weigh In at half four on the Friday and it was about 10 o’clock by the time I was getting into the ring."

Boxing started for Darragh Gilroy from when he was eight years old when the Boxing Club started up in Ballymore Eustace.

 “Everyone gave it a go at the time but I just stuck with it,” he explained. 

He played GAA as well with Ballymore, playing with the senior team in 2020. 

“We won the “B” Championship and my brother Conor and father Alan were playing on the team.” 

While he has won an Intermediate National title Gilroy has yet to pick up a senior title losing out at the quarter final stage on a split decision earlier this year and he previously appeared in a semi-final. 

He intends to remain in the amateur ranks for the future and while he harbours Olympic ambitions all that will be put aside until he captures a National senior title. As well as some possible foreign tournaments later this year he also has the visit of the Fire Departments for a Show in Cappaghmore in May to look forward to. He expects to face an English opponent in that one.