A Decade of Broken Promises, Uncertainty, and Neglect

How long must St Brigid’s Boxing Club fight for a place to call home? For over a decade, the club has faced eviction threats, lockouts, and now storm damage, yet it still has no permanent facility. Despite producing world champions, keeping over 120 young people off the streets, and being a vital part of the community, Kildare County Council has failed to deliver a solution.

2014: Council Talked, But Did Nothing

St Brigid’s Boxing Club has been in a state of uncertainty since 2014, when it first faced the possibility of eviction.

Despite the looming threat of eviction, the club was thriving. It had been named Leinster Club of the Year, boasted 150 active members, and was home to multiple All-Ireland champions, including Katelynn Phelan, Aoife Durkan, and Natasha O’Reilly.

Local representatives, including Cllr Suzanne Doyle, raised concerns at a Kildare Area Committee meeting, urging the council to step in. Doyle suggested that Kildare County Council purchase the premises at a reduced price and lease it back to the club, ensuring that the gym could continue to serve the community.

Despite these discussions, no concrete action was taken. St Brigid’s was left in limbo, unsure of its future. The council’s failure to act meant that the club’s ongoing success was built on shaky ground.

2020: Locked Out While the Council Watched

Six years later, in November 2020, history repeated itself, but this time, even worse. A a result of not paying rent the locks on the club’s premises were changed without warning, leaving the club’s fighters without access to their gym or equipment.

Among those impacted was newly crowned World Champion Katelynn Phelan, who had just returned from Germany after claiming the WBF and WIBA welterweight world belts, along with the WBC World Youth title. Her reward for putting Kildare Town on the global boxing map? Being forced to train outdoors on the Curragh.

Parents, club members, and supporters expressed outrage at the situation. How could a town that had produced a world champion boxer fail to provide even a basic gym for its young athletes?

Behind the scenes, negotiations were ongoing. The landlord, the club, and Kildare County Council attempted to work out a deal, with a rent-free 10-year offer for a smaller unit proposed. However, the club was reluctant to accept without long-term security guarantees.

Once again, no real solution was reached. Another broken promise. Another missed opportunity.

2025: Flooded, Training Halted – Where is the Support?

Fast forward to February 2025, and St Brigid’s Boxing Club is in crisis once again. This time, storm damage has left the gym waterlogged, with 52 buckets used to contain the leaks.

Landlord Philip Masterson has confirmed that materials and workers are arriving for temporary repairs, but a permanent roof replacement is weather-dependent. In the meantime, training is severely restricted. Boxers can’t use the ring. They can’t do bag work. Their training is on hold.

Club founder Paddy Phelan is beyond frustrated:

“We were promised we’d have a home, but we have nothing. Kids are tomorrow’s adults—if they’re not here training, they could be on the streets getting up to all sorts.”

Phelan’s words highlight the club’s essential role in the community. For many young people, St Brigid’s is more than just a boxing gym, it’s a safe space, a support system, and a place to belong.

€7.5 Million in Sports Grants Awarded last year to Kildare Clubs – So Why Was St Brigid’s Left Out?

For over a decade, the same conversations have been happening, but no progress has been made.

Where is the investment?

  • Why hasn’t Kildare County Council allocated funding for a permanent facility?
  • Why are clubs in other towns getting new facilities while St Brigid’s is left to rot?

Why is this club still fighting for a home?

  • Government funding exists for sports facilities, yet none has been directed toward securing a boxing gym in Kildare Town.

Enough excuses. Enough delays. Enough empty promises.

Temporary Fixes Are Not Enough

Cllr Suzanne Doyle has suggested setting up a large marquee over the boxing ring so training can continue. But let’s be clear, this is just another temporary fix that does nothing to solve the real problem.

The Time for Talking is Over – St Brigid’s Needs Action Now

St Brigid’s Boxing Club is not just another sports club. It is a pillar of the community, a training ground for champions, and a lifeline for many young people.

This club has waited too long. It’s time for Kildare County Council to act.

The people of Kildare will not accept another decade of delays and broken promises. This club deserves better. The young athletes deserve better. The community deserves better.