Pictured at the Rumble on the Hill event L-R: Cyril Moorhead, Choice Housing; Joe and Rodney McAree, Dungannon Swifts; Denver Jardine, Dungannon Boxing Club; Valerie Morrison, Apex Housing Association; and Adrian Logan, event compere.
Rumble on the Hill delivers another knockout
The town of Dungannon came alive recently, as the much-anticipated 2025 Rumble on the Hill boxing showcase delivered an unforgettable day of sport, community and celebration at the historic Hill of The O’Neill.
Building on the success of last year, the event hosted by Dungannon Boxing Club (DBC) again promoted the message of sport as a tool for improving mental wellbeing.
The event was compered by the legendary broadcaster Adrian Logan, whose wit and energy kept the crowd engaged throughout a thrilling evening of boxing action. Fight fans were treated to a stacked card, featuring local boxers from DBC, along with talent from 11 other clubs from across the province, both male and female.
The event, organised by Apex Housing Association (Apex), in partnership with Choice Housing, was supported by the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
A potential £12.7m may be invested by the two housing associations in the area through shared housing developments at Fortview and Sycamore Drive, and their associated five-year good relations plans. A joint Dungannon Advisory Group has been established to support delivery of these plans.
In total, 101 boxers took part in the event, with 87 exhibitions during the afternoon session and a further 14 at the main event during the evening, with around 650 people watching the action. The climax was Dungannon’s first ever semi-professional bout for the ‘King of the Hill’ title between local DBC man Lee (The Hitman) Jardine and the notorious Tunnel Gym Portadown’s Ryan (The Nightmare) Wilson. The crowd got behind the fighters and the atmosphere was electric.
The officials who attended, appointed by Tyrone and Fermanagh County Board, refereed and judged with professionalism throughout the event.
Another highlight of the evening was an appearance by Joe and Rodney McAree of Dungannon Swifts FC, bringing with them the Irish Cup, fresh from their historic victory. This added a powerful sense of local pride to the occasion.
The crowd were also treated to an appearance from local, undefeated professional boxer, Feargal McCrory, who praised the community for supporting grassroots boxing.
Philip Boyd from the local group MensReach gave an overview of the support provided for men in the community with mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. He outlined weekly activities taking place, including walking footie, games night, walk in the park and Pilates, which are open to all men.
Adding to the night’s inspiration, Charles (The Dream) McDonagh, one of Dungannon’s brightest boxing prospects, and a tenant of shared housing, made a surprise backstage visit to speak with the fighters, offering words of support and motivation.
Denver Jardine from Dungannon Boxing Club commented:
This was more than just a boxing event. It was a celebration of Dungannon’s sporting heart. With Adrian logan on the mic, the McArees bringing the Irish Cup, Feargal McCrory inspiring the next generation and Charles McDonagh encouraging the boxers backstage, it was a night to remember.
Valerie Morrison, Good Relations Officer at Apex, said:
This event is a shining example of how sport has the unique ability to unite people from every walk of life, regardless of race, religion or background. In Dungannon, where there is a real openness to finding out about other cultures and ways of life, we’re proud to support this event as one of many good relations projects delivered since Sycamore Drive was built.
Cyril Moorhead, Good Relations Officer at Choice, added:
Through our shared housing programme we are thrilled to have brought together so many sportspeople to celebrate the richness of the community. Rumble on the Hill is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the diversity that makes the Dungannon area special. It reinforces the importance of understanding and respecting each other’s cultures.
