Former O’Donnell’s player Pádraig McCrory (18-0) is flying out to Orlando, Florida this month (Saturday 24 February) to fight on the main event of a Matchroom Boxing Promotion against Edgar Berlanga (21-0).

It’s a massive fight for Pádraig, a victory, in the words of Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn, will be like him winning the euromillions and could even pave the way for a fight with Canelo Alvarez.

Pádraig is a great story in general.  He turned pro with the dream of winning an Irish title, which he did but just kept stopping anyone placed in front of him.

He was begging to get on small hall shows and was getting on due to him being a good ticket seller with knockout power coupled with being a renowned ‘gentleman’.

An extremely humble person, Pádraig is the ultimate role model for our young people.

He’s a hard working family man, fights hard without trash talking and is very respectful of his opponents and their people.

He’s very committed to the GAA and his club Cardinal O’Donnells GAC, Whiterock Road, Belfast.

He was part of a winning side that played the last ever final game in the old Casement Park back in 2013

He also regularly wears the club colours into the ring and/or the club crest.

A mark of the esteem he’s held in within the O’Ds was evidenced by them hosting a night in support of him on Saturday 3rd February.

Orlando GAA having heard of Padraig’s GAA commitment, have been plugging the event throughout their network, proof that the GAA is more than a mere sporting body.

Padraig reckons he’ll be playing again once he pulls the shutters down on his boxing career!