LIMERICK and Ireland’s oldest boxing club, which honed the skills of former world champion Andy Lee, has received a massive boost with the purchase of an adjacent premises by Limerick City and County Council.
The local authority Regeneration programme was the successful bidder for the building adjacent to the St Francis Boxing Club on Old St Francis Street, Watergate to help the club deal with capacity issues.
Regeneration will now make the facility available to the club, established in 1928, that caters for young boxers from across the city, from Moyross to Southill, and which has long since reached capacity at 40 members, with up to 30 more seeking access to the club.
“We are delighted to have been the successful bidder. The Regeneration Programme has a strong focus on projects that deliver major social dividends and this is a perfect example,” said Limerick Regeneration office programme manager Carmel Kirby.
“Andy Lee had his gloves laced here and others who have trained at the club include Olympic medallists Katie Taylor and Paddy Barnes. This vital extension will enable it to increase its membership, which in turn will have a major benefit for areas in the Regeneration programme.”
Meanwhile, Labour Party councillor Frankie Daly has vowed to bring the club’s ambitious plans to fruition after securing €61,000 in funding from the Regeneration programme.
Effusive in his praise for what was happening at St Francis Boxing Club in the city, Cllr Daly insists that sport gives kids discipline and a focus.
“Especially, when they’re adrift among the random currents of adolescence when their energies can all too often be directed in other less constructive directions. St Francis offers a first class centre for Limerick’s youth to get involved in boxing and in some cases to aspire to the very top,” Cllr Daly commented.
“Olympic hopefuls will dream here. There are plans to fit the new premises out to a high standard and I will be doing every thing in my power to ensure this. Round one was the securing of this fine space. I’ll make it my business to be in the St Francis corner in the future as I hope to be onside for all projects like this which enhance Limerick and make it possible for our citizens to enjoy life, to progress and to excel,” he concludes.
by Alan Jacques
