World champion Limerick kickboxers facing an uncertain new year

A LIMERICK kickboxing club is facing into an uncertain 2023 with fears they will have no premises to train in.

Members of Limerick Combat Gym were honoured by Mayor Francis Foley for their outstanding achievement in bringing back 24 medals – including 13 golds – from the World Kickboxing and Karate Association World Championship in Wales.

It was a proud moment for the founders of the club, which has operated out of the Our Lady Queen of Peace parish centre beside Roxboro garda station.

However, the future of the the kickboxing club in that building remains unclear.

It comes after the owners of the building, Limerick Diocese told the gym they must leave the premises as it cannot sustain it any longer.

In Pictures: Limerick kickboxers strike gold at World championships!

Fianna Fail councillor Catherine Slattery has previously said this is an “injustice” to people on the southside, especially the children who use the facility three times a week.

“Limerick Combat Gym are now facing the prospect of having no club, which I find totally upsetting and feel it is an injustice to children and their parents on the southside of Limerick.

“We have little amenities and sports facilities as it is on the southside without losing such a vital club like Limerick Combat Gym, who have worked with our youths and brought them from strength to strength in a very short time,” she added.

She organised the mayoral reception with her Fianna Fail colleague Mayor Foley to honour the club members for their achievements in Wales.

“The kids are a credit to their club and their parents,” she pointed out. “I am so proud of them all and am look forward to seeing their achievements in 2023,” she said.

Earlier this year, Limerick Diocese, which owns the building, said they would come to an interim arrangement until such time as the longer-term future of the building is resolved.