Future of Kilkenny boxing club in spotlight ahead of council meeting
Cllr Maurice Shortall calls on Kilkenny County Council to extend Urlingford Boxing Club's lease at the Old Fire Station to support its future growth and success
A Kilkenny councillor is calling on the local authority to extend the lease of Urlingford Boxing Club at the Old Fire Station in the town to help secure the club's long-term future.
Cllr Maurice Shortall is set to bring a motion before the next meeting of the Castlecomer Municipal District, seeking greater security for the club as it looks to develop and expand its facilities.
The motion reads: "That Kilkenny County Council extend Urlingford Boxing Club’s lease at the Old Fire Station, Urlingford to help the club, plan, expand and grow for the future."
Describing the club as an "absolute godsend" to the local community, Cllr Shortall highlighted its remarkable achievements over the years, having yielded multiple national and international results despite operating with limited resources.
Urlingford Boxing Club has long been a source of pride for the town, providing opportunities for young people to get involved in sport while developing their skills, confidence and discipline.
The club's move to the Old Fire Station marked a significant milestone following years of uncertainty over training facilities. Previously, the club had operated from several temporary locations, including the Mason's Apron in Urlingford, local halls, a hotel and premises in Freshford.
The lack of a permanent home had placed considerable demands on coaches and volunteers, who were regularly required to set up and dismantle equipment for training sessions.
When the club's move to the Old Fire Station was first announced, head coach Pat Stokes welcomed the development as a major opportunity for the organisation.
The club has also enjoyed notable success in the ring, with boxers including Michael Anthony McCarthy and Rachel Ivors among those who have demonstrated the talent emerging from its ranks.
Cllr Shortall's motion now seeks to build on that progress by providing the club with the longer-term certainty needed to plan improvements, expand its activities and continue nurturing the next generation of boxing talent.
The proposal will be considered by members of the Castlecomer Municipal District at their next meeting.