After years in the shadows, professional boxing is making a thunderous return to Donegal, Ireland, spearheaded by former world-ranked middleweight Jason Quigley. His new promotional company, Sheer Sports, is rolling out “Rumble In The Hills: Rising Stars” – an event designed not just to entertain, but to forge a new path for Irish pugilists right on their home turf.
A Vision for Homegrown Heroes: Putting Donegal on the Map
For too long, the dream of a professional boxing career for young Irish talent often meant a one-way ticket to the UK or America. Donegal, affectionately dubbed “the forgotten county” in boxing circles, rarely saw the glint of a professional bout. Jason Quigley, a man who knows the intricacies of the fight game from every angle – boxer, assistant coach, and now promoter – is determined to change that narrative.
“Donegal has always been the forgotten county, so I wanted to break the mould and get professional boxing moving here again,” Quigley states, his passion palpable. “I want for young kids who want to get into boxing – to not have to go to the UK or America to fight.”
His ambition extends beyond a single event. Quigley envisions a regular circuit of professional fights across Donegal and the Northwest, guaranteeing fighters the crucial three bouts a year needed to build a sustainable career. It’s about more than just fighting; it’s about nurturing a loyal local fanbase, offering easier access for friends and family, and inspiring the next generation by letting them witness the spectacle of professional boxing firsthand, right in their backyard.
The ultimate dream? “To get a world champion from Donegal and having a massive title fight in Donegal. That’s the real inspiration; to help to inspire the young amateur fighters today that will be in attendance on October 18th.”
Rumble In The Hills: A New Dawn for Irish Boxing
Set for October 18th at the Aura Leisure Complex in Letterkenny and broadcast live on Triller TV, “Rumble In The Hills: Rising Stars” is meticulously timed to capitalize on the burgeoning momentum within Irish boxing. With major events selling out and Irish contenders making waves internationally, the stage is perfectly set for this local resurgence.
The card itself is a testament to Quigley`s vision for local development. Headlining the event is Tyrone’s Callum Bradley in a super featherweight contest, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Sharing the spotlight as co-main event is Mayo’s Eoghan Lavin, a fighter already making sacrifices by training in the UK, now given a vital opportunity to perform on home soil. This event promises to be a showcase of Ireland`s next generation of ring warriors.
The Fighters` Perspective: Ambition Meets Opportunity
For fighters like Callum Bradley, headlining an event so close to home is a dream realized, echoing his own childhood memories of watching local heroes.
“It feels great to be headlining in just my 8th fight – especially so close to home and in a venue that I would have gone to watch Paul McCloskey headline when I was younger,” Bradley shares, emphasizing the unique local appeal. “Everyone will be getting behind this. It’s a great show with a lot of great talent.”
David McGinley, a lawyer and boxing manager, underscores the critical role such events play. “From a manager’s perspective, shows like Rumble in The Hills are very important for developing fighters – not just development as a fighter but developing their brand and building a fanbase,” he explains. These grassroots opportunities are invaluable, allowing fighters to main event cards they might not yet reach on larger international stages.
Eoghan Lavin sees this co-main event slot as a crucial stepping stone. “It’s a step closer to me headlining on my own show in Mayo, hopefully,” he reveals, balancing immediate gains with long-term aspirations. His decision to take the fight for less money, simply to be active and perform in Ireland, highlights the deep desire among fighters to connect with their home audience. Lavin`s ambition extends to securing Celtic and Youth World titles by early next year, proving this event is not merely a destination, but a springboard.
Building a Collaborative Future for Irish Boxing
Quigley recognizes that revitalizing the Irish boxing scene requires collective effort. He acknowledges and champions other promoters across the country – from Neil Power in Waterford and Jay Byrne in Dublin to Jamie Conlan putting on bigger shows in Belfast. “It’s about touching all these different demographics in the country and everyone working together to get the fighters fights,” he asserts, advocating for a united front to grow the sport.
The “Rumble In The Hills” card itself is stacked with promising talent, featuring a mix of exhibition bouts and professional debuts, including Rhys Owens from Enniskillen, a compelling female bout between Tianna Schroeder and Judit Hachbold, and local names like Jason Myers, Jim Donovan, Kian Hedderman, and Danny Duffy. It`s a true showcase of the diverse talent bubbling up from the Emerald Isle, signaling a broad-based revival.
“We all know that Irish fans are fantastic and great anyway. But Donegal fans really get behind their own and they’re so supportive,” Quigley adds, a proud smile audible in his words. Then, with a touch of good-natured irony, he recounts a past event: “I was a bit offended when people came up to me and said that the production and set-up that we have is a proper night of professional, elite boxing. I responded by saying ‘that’s what it’s meant to be!’” It seems Quigley expects nothing less than excellence, much to the pleasant surprise of his audience.
This dedication to quality, combined with robust local support from sponsors like the Donegal County Council, Rite Financial, O’Reilly’s, and many others, underscores the seriousness of Quigley’s endeavor. It’s more than a fight night; it’s a community-driven initiative aiming to cement Donegal`s place firmly on the professional boxing map.
The Road Ahead: A Series of Fights to Remember
“Rumble In The Hills” isn`t just a one-off spectacle; it`s the opening salvo in what Jason Quigley hopes will be a continuous series of professional boxing events in Donegal. It represents a crucial step towards providing a viable, inspiring pathway for Irish boxers to achieve their dreams without having to leave their roots. For fight fans, it promises an “absolutely fantastic night of boxing,” marking the genesis of a vibrant new era for professional boxing in Ireland – an era where local heroes are forged and celebrated right at home.
