Community loan for St. Michael's Boxing Club

In a global context, there is little doubt but that Ireland punches well above its weight and size in the boxing ring, something attested to by Olympic and other international success.

 

That success is built from below, carefully nurtured and patiently developed within a vibrant network of local clubs dispersed across the country, all deeply-embedded within their local communities.

 

St Michael’s Boxing Club in New Ross is a crucial component of this vital grassroots structure without which there could be no international or Olympian glory.

 

Founded over 40 years ago in the County Wexford town, St Michael’s has established a strong reputation and track at both national and international level.

 

Over the last four decades the club’s success in identifying and cultivating local talent has seen it produce numerous county and Leinster champions along with All-Ireland and international triumphs in the ring.

 

Thus, competitors from St Michael’s have secured some 45 Irish titles from schoolboy/girl all the way up to elite level, including an international bronze medal, in 2015. A number of its talented amateurs also turned professional, including Derek Roche, who held the British welterweight title from 1999-2000.

 

But as with all locally-based initiatives, resources and appropriate facilities are an ongoing concern.

 

When St Michael’s drew up a plan to purchase badly-needed new gym equipment - including a new boxing ring - Clann Credo provided vital support to ensure their plan would be brought to fruition.