A boxing club, which had to close its doors after 24 years because of antisocial behaviour, has been replaced by a high-performance academy, which is set to benefit hundreds of young people across Munster.
Ireland’s boxing heroes Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin and team captain Darren O’Neill were in Limerick yesterday to lend their support to the new Southside Boxing Academy.
The facility, located in the Galvone Industrial Estate adjacent to Southill, was officially opened by Minister for Sport Leo Varadkar.
The academy replaces the defunct Southill boxing club, which was forced to close its doors in 2004 because of persistent antisocial behaviour in the area and intimidation of club members.
Speaking at the opening, Mr Varadkar said the new facility was a symbol of the “regeneration of the city and the rebirth of Limerick. I hope in years to come we will see champions coming out of this club.” KATHRYN HAYES
