'Boxer' pledges his support for Athlone Boxing Club's new facility

Kevin 'Boxer' Moran lived up to his nickname by recently putting on a pair of gloves and climbing into a ring for some impromptu sparring with professional boxer Joe Ward!

The light-hearted moment came during a visit by the local Minister of State to Athlone Boxing Club in order to discuss its plans for the development of a new purpose-built facility on a site between the Athlone Regional Sports Centre and Athlone Town Stadium.

The Minister for the OPW met with club coaches Rory Parkes and Joe Ward at the club's current premises, in the basement of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. A number of young club members were also in attendance.

The new facility was granted planning permission by Westmeath County Council in June, but financing it will require grant aid from the State, along with a significant local fundraising effort.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week, 'Boxer' Moran said he will be prepared to lend whatever assistance he can in order to make the new premises a reality. The project has also received political backing from Athlone councillors Aengus O'Rourke and John Dolan.

"I love boxing, and I suppose it's where I get my name from," said 'Boxer'. "There are other public representatives supporting this project, and I'm no different."

He pointed out that he was involved in helping the club to secure the use of its existing premises, at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which was officially opened by the late sports broadcaster Jimmy Magee in 2007.

Eighteen years on, the current facility is not fit-for-purpose, as it lacks toilets or changing facilities.

'Boxer' said he hopes to arrange a meeting between the boxing club and the Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Charlie McConalogue, in order to discuss the planned new premises.

"I'll gladly work with the lads and we'll get a deputation to come up the Dáil to see what we might be able to do to help them get this project off the ground," he said.

"I believe the location for it is absolutely ideal. I've seen the layout (of the proposed facility), and we'll put the call out as well for any corporate sponsors for the club.

"This is about the kids, the young male and female boxers. The club has a huge interest in young people - sometimes young people who need a bit of help and support - in order to give them a sporting outlet.

"We're not all soccer players and gaelic players, but that's not to say that these young people can't become good boxers," he added.

"We'll all work together on this. There's no political point-scoring here, because this is about the young people of Athlone going forward and it's something I want to be part of.

"I have met with different sporting groups, from Southern Gaels to the boxing club, and others, and they're all looking towards capital funding. So there is a challenge there, but it's one I'm up for," he concluded.