'Kilkenny deserves better': Fury over controversial boxing event
Kilkenny councillor Maurice Shortall has condemned the Unhinged 003 boxing event at The Hub on the Dublin Road following Tommy Robinson’s controversial appearance and the chaotic scenes at the venue
Cllr Maurice Shortall has condemned last night’s Unhinged 003 boxing event in Kilkenny, stating the the county ‘deserves better’.
He has also hit out at the appearance of British political activist/agitator Tommy Robinson (who was present at the event), stating that he ‘is not welcome in Kilkenny.
“Our county has a proud sporting tradition, and combat sports in Ireland deserve to be represented by athletes, promoters and organisations who respect the values of sport, discipline and community,” he said.
“Dragging Tommy Robinson into the world of Irish combat sports risks putting a stain on a sporting community that has worked hard to build a positive reputation.
“Combat sports should be about competition, respect and bringing people together – not providing a platform for political division.
“Kilkenny deserves better, and Irish combat sports deserve to be kept separate from this kind of controversy. Also shame on The Hub for organising such an event.”
A man in his 30s was rushed to St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny yesterday (Saturday) evening as gardaí responded to a ‘a number of incidents’ at the event venue on the Dublin Road in Kilkenny.
Gardaí stated that the man rushed to hospital was assaulted at the scene and another man (20s) was arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 at a garda station in the South-East.
A second male was arrested, an adult in his teens, for violent disorder and has since been charged.
Gardaí confirmed that investigations are ongoing in relation to the incidents.
Kilkenny Live has also contacted The Hub and Unhinged Promotions for comment in relation to last night’s event.