St Brigid's Boxing Club
Deputy Ryan asked for help after St. Brigid's Boxing Club was locked out of its premises despite its record of success. The Taoiseach praised the club, said he had asked the Minister of State for Sport to look at it, and would see what could be done.
Page 61 of the programme for Government states that this Government will support a consultative process for sports clubs and voluntary organisations to recover and enhance their impact in the aftermath of Covid-19.
Last week in Kildare town, we had a situation where St. Brigid's Boxing Club was locked out of its premises. The Taoiseach may not be aware of St. Brigid's Boxing Club but perhaps he should familiarise himself with it because it has 300 Kildare titles, 200 Leinster titles, 55 Irish titles, 4 European medals and a world medal, among other accolades. The people of Kildare are proud of this club and it now has a professional world champion in Katelynn Phelan. Will the Government intervene to ensure the survival of this club, which has such a positive impact on mental health, particularly during Covid? All the members and their families need help.
Comment on this
The achievements of St. Brigid's are outstanding at national, European and world level. I have a particular interest in boxing and in doing everything I can to support amateur boxing in this country. I have asked the Minister of State with responsibility for sport to give particular attention to this sport. He will liaise with the Deputy if she sends the details of the club on to him and will see what we can do. I do not know the local circumstances that caused the premises to be closed but working with local authorities and nationally through the sports programme, we will do everything we can to assist.