Teenagers losing out as Sligo boxers forced to train in ‘back gardens and garages’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Calls for Sligo County Council to consider the provision of a dedicated, modern boxing training facility to accommodate the various boxing clubs across the county received widespread support when Cllr Ann Higgins’ motion was discussed at the June meeting of Sligo County Council.

Cllr Higgins’ motion called for, “The provision of a dedicated space for club members to train, socialise and improve their overall health and well-being, aligns with the strategy of providing high-quality sporting and recreational infrastructure.”

The popularity of boxing in the country was highlighted by the speed with which Katie Taylor’s upcoming farewell bout in Croke Park sold out with Cllr Higgins highlighting the fact that, “Boxing is one of the most popular individual sports in Ireland and as a country and county we have seen significant global successes.”

Speaking to the motion Cllr Higgins commented, “While Sligo competitors continue to win on the national and international stage, they do this despite the desperate lack of local training facilities. Boxing is particularly successful in attracting and keeping teenage girls in the sport. But all competitors are losing out as they do not have access to a boxing ring, and therefore they cannot train in one, nor can they invite other clubs for sparring opportunities to Sligo. And the reality is that Sligo continues to lose young people out of this sport as there are no appropriate training facilities.

“Boxers compete in a ring, and you simply cannot bring one into a rented hall, set it up for two hours and take it down. As one coach said ‘It is like trying to train footballers without ever being on a football pitch’.”

Cllr Higgins added, “The fact that our young boxers who are competing at national and international level have to resort to training in back gardens and garages is totally unacceptable.

“The ask is simple, please find them a suitable dedicated space, they have the boxing rings, but nowhere to put them. They have no problem in paying rent ,no problem with sharing space with other clubs and indeed other sports, they simply need a suitable space.

“This ask is not just for the elite competitors, as boxing is one of the most inclusive sports out there, it does not require a significant investment by the individual, just commitment, dedication and focus. Boxing is an all-inclusive sport, and caters for people from all communities, from all backgrounds and ages, with all levels of abilities.

Cllr Higgins highlighted the great work in bringing women into the sport done by the Sligo Boxing Development Officer, who runs programmes to offer pathways from clubs into boxing, coaching, volunteering and employment.

However, Cllr Higgins noted that, “Despite the doubling of participants to over 4,500 in 2024, they have reached maximum capacity to expand any programmes as there is, “Simply nowhere to put the people.”

In calling for the Council to explore suitable options such as allowing the clubs to rent or lease existing vacant premises, and in future identifying a suitable location to build a purpose built structure under relevant funding streams, Cllr Higgins noted that, “We are effectively limiting participation in programmes that address integration, social inequality, female participation, youth diversion, physical fitness and mental health and well-being issues.”

How many Katie Taylors have been missed out on?

Cllr Higgins also praised the local coaches who, “Are a real and genuine antidote to the damaging culture of toxic masculinity, and they show our young men the values of discipline, respect, structure and provide them with a sense of identity, belonging and value.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Gino O’Boyle who stressed, “Boxing takes people off the streets, gives them a purpose, gives them something to do.”

Cllr O’Boyle noted the talent that is in the region but rued, “How many Katie Taylors have been missed out on?”

Cllr Fergal Nealon also spoke in favour of the motion saying, “There is a great history of boxing in Sligo. I used to get a few clips from Mercedes Taaffe,” adding, “There is great potential there and the potential is being lost.”

Cllr Thomas Healy also gave his backing to the motion saying, “This is an opportunity for the Council to lead. Maybe it is something we in the Council should put our heads together about.”

Cllr Thomas Walsh agreed, “There is a big gap in terms of boxing infrastructure,” noting, “Gateway Boxing Club have big numbers and do great work but it is a leased premises. It is not really the local authorities mandate. I think there is a huge gap, no doubt the evidence is very positive for young people and adolescents.”

Cllr Declan Bree pointed out that, “There was a club in Cranmore the Council funded and Market Yard,” but Cllr O’Boyle quickly pointed out, “You wouldn’t get a ring in either of those facilities.”

Cllr Donal Gilroy sounded a word of caution when he said, “It is a dangerous road for the Council to get into providing all the facilities.”

The debate concluded with Cllr Higgins praising the “phenomenal work” of Stephen Reynolds and Glen Gethins.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.