Urlingford/Freshford Boxing Club under funded
Urlingford/Freshford Boxing Club, a unique, old-school boxing club that has been a fixture in the heart of Freshford since 1993. Founded by Sid Martin and located in the local community hall, the club has produced many fine boxers over the years.
Despite the original ring being in place for over 30 years—requiring continuous repairs—the boxers keep coming back to enjoy the experience. In recent years, the club has consistently produced All Ireland Champions and has even made its mark on the European stage.
Urlingford and Freshford clubs joined forces over 5 years ago and have enjoyed a terrific and very successful partnership under the stewardship of Pat Stokes (Urlingford) and Sid Martin (Freshford).
Today, the Club has 30 Boxers registered, ranging from 8 to 22 years old. Training sessions are held two nights a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We also travel to other venues to participate in valuable sparring sessions.
In recent years, the club has been used to facilitate exercise sessions for individuals diagnosed with movement conditions. These sessions took place every Tuesday morning and were the brainchild of Brenda Cooper. Sid Martin, the club’s coach, led the training sessions, which have been enjoyed and have definitely benefited all participants.
Our coaches are highly experienced in boxing and are dedicated to helping boxers reach their full potential. Jason Scully, another experienced coach, expressed his enjoyment in watching the boxers develop. Mick McCarthey also highlighted how these boxers grow and evolve within the sport under their guidance.
Boxers travel from Cahir/Thurles and Kilkenny to the club, and it is admirable and inspirational to witness their dedication to their sport. The Club has enjoyed massive success, as the details below will show.
I would like to share some feedback I’ve received from parents. A common theme that emerged from speaking with them is that they view the club as a “Good Club with Great Sport.”
These parents are incredibly dedicated, traveling up to three times a week to locations as far as Wexford, Dublin, and Athy to ensure their boxers have access to fights and sparring opportunities, which are essential for their success. Massive credit should be given for this commitment; their motto is “No Road too long or Short.”
Training is done in a controlled manner to ensure the boxers are in good shape and ready for any scenario in the ring. Speaking to all of the Boxers, their main aim and goal is to enjoy all the challenges they face, with all mentioning the lure of being a pro boxer.
There is an urgent need for investment in our boxing club. For many years, the club has operated without any significant financial input, while simultaneously facing increasing operational costs.
Despite these challenges, our boxers have shown remarkable resilience and dedication. They consistently compete in tournaments using the same basic equipment, and I commend them for their unwavering commitment and lack of complaints. However, it is disheartening to see our boxers without their own club signets at major finals and tournaments, which is a matter of pride and identity.
The club has actively sought sports grants to alleviate these financial pressures, but unfortunately, we have not been successful in our applications. We are deeply grateful to the Freshford Community Hall and its board of management for their continued support as our longest-serving tenants. Their good relationship with the club has been invaluable over the years.
We need to find sources of investment so that our boxers have access to the equipment and resources they deserve.
Our boxers train 5 to 6 days a week, running 4 to 5 miles each day after school or work. They also train together 3 nights a week. This massive dedication, respect, and discipline are all part of being a boxer and are part of the club’s ethos. We are very proud of every boxer, or aspiring boxer, who walks through our doors; all are always welcome.
The club would be delighted with any business to help and support future champions through sponsorship with these athletes who love boxing.
The club quietly goes along and does its business in a quiet manner, but the achievements of the boxers over the years need to be recognized.
The Old School retains the authentic feel and appearance of a traditional boxing club, exceeding expectations despite its humble facilities. We welcome everyone to visit and experience the rigorous training our boxers undergo. While our facilities are basic, the dedication and spirit of the club are anything but.
Club Roll Of Honour
Jonny Delaney 52kgs- 3 Monkstown Internationals/ 1 All Ireland/ 1 Limerick Open/ 3 Leinsters
Willie Delaney 36kgs -3 All Irelands/4 Leinsters / 4 County/ 2 Monkstown Internationals Runners up
Micheal Anthony -3 All Irelands/ 3 EuropeanSilver Medalist/ 3 Leinsters/Gold Cup Sweden
James Mc Carthy- 1 All Ireland/ 3 Leinsters/ 1 Monkstown International.
Thomas Delaney- Leinster Squads/ Gold and Silver Medalist Latvia
Ned Delaney- 1 Limerick Open Cup/ 4 County/ 2 Leinsters/ 2 time All Ireland semi Finalists
Finally, to discuss the challenges we face, particularly regarding our limited funding, and how we consistently manage to punch above our weight despite this. I am keen to explore strategies to highlight this and potentially secure additional funding or resources.
