Kildare boxing club is 'destroyed' after storm damage

ST BRIGID boxing club in Kildare Town was badly affected by Storm Éowyn with severe damage to the roof which was lifted off with the 120km winds, resulting in water damage on the clubs interior.

Boxing club founder, Paddy Phelan, said “it’s heartbreaking. To see it destroyed overnight” about the venue that had been home to the club for 16 years.

A lot of the club’s equipment has been damaged such as the boxing ring, the treadmill and the floors with paint lifted off them from the water damage.

The owner of the building ensured that they would do what they could to alleviate the pressure on the club, offering a temporary fix on the roof.

“That’s the plan,” said Mr Phelan.

This fix is dependent on dry weather, which we all know can be hard to come by in this country.

With 120 members currently enrolled in the club, Paddy reluctantly had to restrict groups coming in as the club does not have the capacity to take full numbers with the damage.

The children move to different clubs across Leinster four nights a week to accommodate training.

“It’s an expense we could do without,” said Paddy.

The club had been promised a change in venue by Kildare County Council, and was told last year to expect news on it very soon. “We’re still waiting,” Paddy said. “The council has let us down again. They put us on the long finger."

The club and its members are praying for some good weather and a bit of luck to get the repairs moving along so that they can continue doing what they love. 

If you would like to help the club raise vital funds for repairs, there is a gofundme page available online at 'help St Brigid's Boxing Club'. 

It can also be accessed through the boxing club's Facebook page at St Brigid's Boxing Club Kildare Town.