Boxing clubs win one million euro in funding

THE Department of Sport has allocated one million euro in funding for amateur boxing clubs.

In welcoming the announcement, Deputy Seán Crowe (SF) said amateur boxing clubs were a vital part of many communities.

“They provide top class training and exercise to a huge number of children and adults in every county on this island,

? he said.

“In the north, boxing clubs also helped to break down sectarianism and division.

“However, boxing clubs have always had to scrape together funding in Ireland, and many of them are totally underfunded, despite the international success our boxers have had on the world stage.

“This latest allocation of funding is specifically earmarked for female changing rooms, heating systems, and shower rooms, and the maximum amount a club can apply for is

?¬25,000. There is also

?¬5,000 available for remedial repairs.

?

He added:

“Earmarking funding for female changing rooms is directly related to the surge of interest from women and girls in boxing, which has followed Katie Taylor’s exciting gold medal Olympic win.

“In order to be eligible for this funding a club must have full planning permission for the work, an up to date fire certificate, and a disabled access certificate.

“To avail of the funding clubs need to firstly apply in writing to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) and they should contact the IABA for more detailed information.

?