Power ready for Cork test

Summerhill jockey Robbie Power came through the Aintree Grand National unscathed, but he could be in for a rough ride when he steps into the boxing ring in aid of Meath footballers on Sunday 2nd January. Power won the Aintree showpiece in 2007 with the Gordon Elliott-trained Silver Birch, but next week he will have to tackle Cork man Davy Condon in a celebrity bout at the White Collar Boxing promotion. “I haven't boxed before, but both of us had some training in Dublin this week, so we should be able to put on a good show for the supporters,†Power told the Meath Chronicle. “Liam Harnan approached me about getting involved in the promotion, but he wanted me to take on Graham Geraghty, I thought that wouldn't be fair on Graham. “Instead, he lined up a bout against a man from Cork, Davy Condon, so it should be a memorable occasion,†he added. Condon, who rides out for Elliott, agreed to the bout and explained that he would be wearing a Cork jersey into the ring. “I'll probably wear a Cork jersey, that will guarantee a warm reception from the Meath supporters and hopefully I can deliver a knock-out performance,†he said. The countdown to the big night continues and the night will feature 15 bouts, each one will comprise three rounds. Another Simonstown man, Seamus Kenny, will have to tackle Cian Ward from neighbouring club Wolfe Tones while Mickey Burke will be aiming to spring a surprise for Longwood when he tackles Chris O'Connor from Ballinabrackey. Gary O'Brien (Navan O'Mahonys) will face David Lyons (Seneschalstown) while Tommy Johnson (Dunshaughlin) will oppose Jonathan Meyler (Blackhall Gaels); Paddy O'Rourke (Skryne) will face David Morgan (Donaghmore / Ashbourne). The remaining bouts are: Niall Mooney (St Patrick's) v Brian Farrell (Nobber); Conor Gillespie (Summerhill) v Craig Berrigan (Dunboyne); Phillip Rogers (St Michael's) v Paddy Rafferty (Syddan); Ollie Lewis (Na Fianna) v Paul Weldon (Moynalvey); Brendan Murphy (Trim) v Shane McAnarney (Clann na nGael); Joe Sheridan (Seneschalstown) v Kevin Reilly (Navan O'Mahonys) Organised by former champion boxer Cathal O'Grady in conjunction with the Friends of Meath GAA and Meath GAA Co Committee, tickets for the event are currently on sale (€30 each) through clubs. The doors at Knightsbrook will open at 6.0 on Sunday 2nd January with the first bout timed for 7.0.