Raising the ‘Barr: Eade secures Irish title shot

June 11 Jonny Stapleton

Henry Coyle may be planning to plunder international gold in The West next month, but the Warior isn’t the only Western to be challenging for a title on the August 12 Royal Theatre Castlebar show.

‘The Rock’ Finbarr Eade is looking to smash his way to Irish title success in just his seventh pro fight.

Eade, who last month survived a flash knock down in the National Stadium to preserve his unbeaten status, takes on London based southpaw Mickey Coveney for the Irish Super Featherweight title.

The Westport native had targeted a big fight in his native province and an Irish title for this year and it seems he is on course to achieve his 2011 goals.

However, standing in the way of the tough fighter is an equally dogged and durable pugilist. Coveney is much respect in Ireland and the UK has been unlucky in a number of fights over his career.

Indeed The Londoner brought renowned power puncher Patrick Hyland seven rounds in Castlebar last year.

“It will be a big step up for me but I’ve nothing to lose and it’s a huge opportunity to get to fight for an Irish title so close to home,” said Eade. “Coveney is an excellent fighter, he’s not a typical southpaw, he’s short and aggressive and likes to stand there and have a fight so I’m sure it should make for a great fight. He put in a great effort against Patrick Hyland when he challenged for the featherweight title but he’s been up at super featherweight since then so maybe he feels more comfortable there. My goal this year was to get an Irish title fight so I’m delighted now that my chance has come and I know I’ll have great support on the night.”