Duhallow Boxing Club flourishes at Boherbue base

MEMBERSHIP is steadily increasing at the Duhallow Boxing Club based in Boherbue

The club was established in 2012 and is run by dedicated volunteers, meeting the needs of boys and girls in addition to seniors with numbers drawing to Boherbue from a wide catchment area.

Originally, the club had a home in Kanturk only for COVID to impact it and as volunteer David Cotter explained, they sought a new centre and eventually located a base in Boherbue at the former Supervalu premises.

“Previously, our boxers competed at County, Munster, National and Elite levels. We lost our premises in Kanturk due to Covid, spent the next two years seeking out a new premises, found a location in Boherbue. It took six months to get the club up and ready to open with the help of many volunteers,” David said.

“Over the past year, we have developed a newly equipped and kitted out premises, that’s meeting the requirement of our catchment area drawn from right across Duhallow with familiar faces also involved from Mallow, Dromahane and Bweeing,” he continued.

In general terms, participation in boxing helps to reduce anti-social behaviour in communities by offering a sporting activity to teenagers which promotes self-discipline and good health.

“Boxing provides an engaging, dedicated sport for young participants and has proven to combat anti-social behaviour. The sport reaches out, helps engage young people on their own terms, they enjoy push-ups and sit-ups, weights, skipping, bag punching and sparring”, said David.

Looking ahead, the club hopes to enter promising talent into competitive action at underage level. Key to any club are dedicated coaches and in that vein, Duhallow Boxing club are extremely thankful for the input of David Cotter, Tony Sheahan, Sheila Cotter, Ger Stack and Tony Kelleher.

“We’re indebted to the massive effort of the coaches, additionally, there are others outside the club such as sponsors who ensure the club remains on a sound footing. That’s evident with the enthusiasm evident from the training sessions and the enjoyment earned by young members”, said David.

“Duhallow Boxing Club is open to new members regardless of age, from 8 to 80, new members are always welcome. We are asking if any local businesses would like to sponsor us due to the high cost of running the club, it would be another massive boost”, he continued.

The Duhallow Boxing Club operates on Monday nights. The juniors class runs from 7.30 to 8.30pm for 7 to 12 year olds.

On Wednesday and Friday nights, the senior class are underway from 7.30 to 9 pm for 13 years and upwards.

Further information on Duhallow Boxing Club is available from David Cotter at 086 083 7950.