Ward hoping that Roscommon can land knockout blow

Donal Ward has been on both sides of the fence in New York — from being the hunted to becoming the hunter.

In 2011, his championship debut for Roscommon procured a Player of the Match performance in the 3-21 to 1-11 demolition of the home side in The Bronx. Seven years late — alongside former Castlerea St. Kevin’s player Neil Collins — Ward was part of the New York side that came perilously close to a first championship win, pushing Leitrim all the way to extra time before losing out by 0-19 to 1-15.

“On paper, that 2018 team were a right good side, a lot of high-profile guys like Jamie Clarke and Tom Cunniffe. We came so close,” he recalled.

While his Gaelic football career has always dovetailed with his first love, boxing, Ward has a unique insight into what both camps will want from this Sunday’s big game.

“We were under a bit of pressure (in 2011) because, even though we got promoted from Division Four, we had lost a league final against Longford in Croke Park.

“But we were prepared. Not too many clubs had astro-turf facilities but Fergal (O’Donnell) brought us to St. Brigid’s in Dublin. They were one of the few clubs in Ireland at the time that had an astro turf.

“I just remember how focussed we were for the game. It was about getting the job done and, sure enough, we went out and got a couple of early goals in the first half. The game was pretty much over at half time.

“It was the first time for a lot of us to be part of that trip, but I just remember everything was well planned. It was all about the game beforehand and then we could relax with family and friends afterwards. It was just so professional with Fergal. Nothing was left to chance. The key was to get the game done and dusted,” he highlighted.

While focus and leaving nothing to chance will be top of Roscommon’s priorities ahead of Sunday’s game, Ward isn’t surprised that there hasn’t been a peep out of the New York camp.

“We don’t really know much about them. You really have to be involved in the camp. The majority of people that I deal with don’t know what Gaelic football is. You live in a city of nearly ten million people, and 90 per cent of them haven’t heard of Gaelic football. There’s so much other stuff going on here.

“In 2018, there were so many people from Ireland here and they would have loved to get information on the team. Whatever was said in the camp stayed in the camp. So I would say that because we haven’t heard much about New York, they’re just honing in on their own preparations — working hard, coming up with a good gameplan and keeping things in-house,” he explained.

Ward’s journey Stateside reignited his love for boxing, and after fighting top amateurs and professionals, including competing at the prestigious Ring Masters Championships — formerly known as the Golden Gloves — at the iconic Madison Square Garden, his attention has switched to training and teaching the sport.

The former Western Gaels player currently runs Bua Boxing — the first club to be opened in Astoria, Queens — which teaches people boxing through personal training and small group classes.

“Covid retired me a bit earlier than I would have liked. I went coaching in the parks around here. At the time, there were no gyms open. The following winter, I set up a studio as opposed to being outside in the cold.

“It’s going fine. I have a couple of coaches, and I train a lot of people, especially beginners. All walks of life come in, so it’s really good.

“It’s mostly group classes. I’d have up to 100 people a week in here. I have classes every morning alongside a lot of personal training. I also have a small team of fighters. Last year, we had two national champions from the Masters (35 years and older) in Atlanta City. I had another guy who won the Ring Masters in the (Madison Square) Garden.” 

Like Gaelic football, however, nothing beats the buzz of being involved inside the ring or inside the white lines of a pitch, although Ward is content with life Stateside.

“You would miss it. I’m glad I got back into it when I came out here. I had about 15 fights before Covid. There were people getting on to me to go professional, but I was in my early thirties married with two young kids.

“But I enjoy the coaching side of it. There are just so many people here, so there’s always someone looking for proper coaching, especially in boxing because it’s unique enough over here.

“A lot of gyms can be intimidating when people walk in. But I have a lot of beginners where I bring them from the very start to the ring. I enjoy that side of it, where you see them improve on their journey.” 

Ward has been doing his bit on the fundraising side of things ahead of Roscommon’s visit, and will be one of the special guests at Friday night’s supporters’ get-together in 5th & Mad.

“I’m just helping out, nothing too serious. I’m just looking forward to seeing people that I haven't seen in a while. It should be a great weekend,” he concluded.