Offaly Natives take part in Fight Night Live, ‘Knock out Suicide’

A group of the fighters after a training session for Console Fight Night

Normally reports of a series of brawls taking place on Saturday night would be reported in the news, however this weekend there will be plenty of punches thrown in a very good cause, as 26 combatants prepare to “Knock Out Suicide” in Athlone IT Sports Hall.

The event has been organised by Console, who are a national charity working against suicide all across Ireland. Most parts of Offaly have been affected by suicide either directly or indirectly in recent years and Doon natives Declan Rohan and Padraig Egan are among those who will be donning some gloves and taking a few hits in aid of the cause this Saturday.

Declan Rohan

When asked about the event, Padraig said that “Suicide is something that has been too common around West Offaly and all over Ireland in recent years and any family that has been touched by suicide knows that it’s a tragedy that cuts very deeply. Console do some fantastic work in suicide awareness and prevention and anything we can do to help raise awareness of their work and hopefully to raise some money to help out with their efforts is worth doing.”

Padraig added that “Fundraising events like this play a vital role in keeping Console going as only 5% of the year’s budget comes from the government. We know people are finding it tough to make ends meet out there but it’s because times are so hard for so many people that the work of a charity like Console becomes all the more important.”

Padraig Egan

Doors open at 7.30pm this weekend with 13 fights on the card and €20 admission covers both the boxing and an afterparty in Scribes Bar with live music until late. The event is done in association with whitecollarboxing.ie who will be putting on a full professional fight night production and will be an event not to be missed. Anyone looking to get tickets in advance can do so by calling Gerard Tiernan on (083) 3402461.

In the coming weeks Console will set up a community outreach programme in Athlone, this service will serve the midlands area and is designed for those people or families who would like some support and advice from Console in areas such as suicide prevention, awareness or bereavement support.

Last year set up 1Life (1800 24 7 100) which is a 24 hour suicide prevention helpline.

Anybody looking to contact Console can call 1800 201 890 or visit www.console.ie