The Fermoy Boys and Girls Boxing Club

“C’mon! Move! Speed!
Watch your toes Jeff…move your head now!”

Four nights a week Pat Flynn coaches 14 kids on the squash court of the Fermoy Community Centre. Established in 1980, this Club has produced 27 Irish National Champions in various weights and classes.

The kids, ages 8-18 come in from the cold in sneakers and warm-up suits of all sizes. Whatever distractions they arrive with are soon gone as Pat puts them through the paces of a boxer’s training regime. Together they run laps, jump rope and finally lace up gloves to do what they love most: box.

Pat, president and coach of the Club came up through the programme himself. Over the years he estimates that thousands of children have been touched by the programme.

“Boxing is a disciplined sport. Many of these kids are poor and may not have much structure at home, but they come and if they work hard they can do anything. We take them once a year to compete against other clubs and some have gone as far as Chicago. Without this Club they would likely never have that opportunity.”

The Impact of Your Investment

►The Ireland Funds have granted almost $10,000 to the Fermoy Boys & Girls Boxing Club

Photos
1 - “My favourite part of boxing is when they declare a winner and they raise your hand if you won….I just love winning!” — Kurt, age 11
2 - “I won a match in Kildare; I think I can win another if I keep practicing.” — Paul, age 11
3 - Boxing Students
4 - Trainer Pat Flynn with two of his top students