Boxing club’s ‘homeless’ fear unless they get clubhouse
By Brendan Grehan
ESKER Boxing Club is fearful it will be out on the street if it can’t get a permanent clubhouse.
Currently the club rents a premises in Hills Industrial Estate in Lucan, but is fearful that if their lease is not renewed in April, or if their rent goes up, then they will have nowhere to go.
Members of Esker Boxing Club
Ed Griffin from the club told The Echo: “Currently we pay €1,100 a month to rent the premises.
The lease is up in April. If the landlord chooses not to renew the lease, or if there is a rent increase, then we will be out the door.
It’s ridiculous that we are paying that much rent. You wouldn’t find another boxing club in the country that is in a similar position.”
Founded in March 2012, Esker now have nearly 100 members ranging in age from six to 40.
The membership are split into three groups: Academy (Up to 10 years old), Junior (Beginners and up to 13 years old) and Senior (13 years old and up).
Ed Griffin said he is hoping the club can get a permanent clubhouse. They have had a number of meetings with local county councillors and recently met local TD John Curran in Dáil éireann.
He said: “We are keeping our fingers crossed. If they don’t renew the lease we are out. We have spoken to all the local politicans. We are treading water at the moment.”
Deputy Curran told The Echo that he will be supporting Esker Boxing Club in their campaign for a clubhouse.
He said: “I was delighted to meet with Esker Boxing Club this week in the Dáil. Very informative meeting on the club’s future, the wonderful work they are doing for nearly 100 young boxers in Lucan and their need for a permanent clubhouse.
I will continue to support Esker Boxing Club’s campaign for a new boxing club house.”
The Echo contacted South Dublin County Council about Esker Boxing Club’s campaign for a clubhouse but they did not respond before we went to press.
