Dr Katherine Zappone TD has pledged her support for a permanent home for Whitechurch Boxing Club. Standing in the ring among a parade of young boxers, Minister Zappone was met with cheers as she told the crowd of her personal love of the sport inherited from her father and her determination to help the club achieve its potential ‘just as it helps its members to be their best selves’.
Minister Zappone attended together with Independent Cllr Alan Edge and was speaking at the start of an event recently to mark the club’s tenth anniversary. The clubs achievements, she added, are all the more remarkable given that they have never had a home of their own, with 13 national titles, 7 All-Ireland finalists, 18 Dublin titles and 19 Dublin League Titles to their name. She personally congratulated Gabrielle Mongan on her European bronze medal and was encouraged by the many successes of the club in regard to girls boxing.
She paid tribute to the dedication of the club’s coaches, including Tony, Andrew and Derek Delaney, Philip Hollowed and Vikki Whelan as well as the many parents who get involved. Cllr Edge added that the club has a wonderfully diverse membership which includes members of both the settled and travelling communities in the area and is a really positive force in terms of bringing people together through sport. A permanent home is the least they deserve.
