St. Paul's Boxing Club in Waterford City has won Gold at the All-Ireland Council & Community Awards in the Best Club/Team Category.
For 45 years, the club has fostered and developed the sport in the parish of St. Paul's in Waterford City.
The club has won 77 national titles at Juvenile, Youth, U18, U22, Senior and Elite levels and many of its boxers have competed internationally at the European and World level.
St Paul's Boxing Club active in the city
St Paul's works with the six DEIS schools within the area, by offering Boxing Fitness classes to the pupils. In recent times, the club put a strong focus on girls' schools, in an attempt to increase more female participation in the sport.
Secretary of St Paul's Boxing Club and former champion boxer Neil Gough says they've always been embedded in the community:
We have always had a great sense of community and worked with all facets of society in St. Paul's Parish and Waterford City for many years. Our founder member John Finn and the then committee created a culture that wasn't just one of winning but one of acceptance too. All our boxers are treated the same, whether you are a national champion or a beginner. The same culture continues today under the guidance of President Kieran Kennedy and head coach Seamus Cowman, along with their committee and team of talented coaches.
St. Paul’s Boxing Club would like to thank Rosarie Keeley and the team at the Waterford Sports Partnership, as well as Waterford City and County Council for Sports Capital funding and grants through the LCDC. This funding has allowed the club to extend its gym and increase its involvement in the community.
The 2021 – 2022 season has been one of the club's best; they already have four National Champions - John Paul McDonagh, Michael O'Reilly, Danny O'Reilly & Shamie McDonagh.
Michael will compete in the National Juvenile Championships over the coming week and hopefully add his second and the club's fifth title this year to the ever-growing list.
About the All Ireland Council and Community Awards
Now in its 15th year, the 2021 awards recognise and celebrate community and councils working together.
They provide an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the work done within communities, to reward unsung heroes and recognise the contribution they’ve made to our lives.
More here on the latest news for Waterford.
