Tipperary boxing and martial arts clubs need more funding

Sinn Féin local election candidate Breandan Ó Concheur called for more funding for boxing and combat sports clubs.

“Our region has boxing, mixed martial arts, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and other martial arts clubs that provide a much-needed community resource. Indeed, they are often overlooked when it comes to funding.

“Despite the lack of official support, these clubs produce high-level athletes, with Templemore Boxing Club producing 13 national champions since 2018 and becoming one of Roscrea’s leading martial arts clubs. The club sent three fighters to the World Youth MMA Championship last year. Sam Devaney and Liam Devaney, both from Borisory, train at Kickboxing Club in Thurles, are competing at the highest level of Muay Thai.

“It is testament to the hard work of all the coaches and players at these clubs that a small rural area is able to produce athletes of such high caliber in a variety of martial arts. We have top-class training facilities that allow us to continue to compete at the highest level possible.

“If elected to the council, I will ensure that these clubs do not fall through the cracks financially,” he said.