Major fundraiser planned in support of new Athlone Boxing Club premises

Athlone Boxing Club is organising a major fundraiser in the town's Shamrock Lodge Hotel in support of its efforts to develop a new purpose-built training facility.

The event is a tattoo convention which will take place at the hotel from 12 noon onwards on Sunday, February 16.

From 12 noon to 7pm this will be a family-friendly event, with art classes, face painting, and live music, while from 7pm onwards it will be adults-only.

Live music on the day is planned from local DJs Kenny Tynan and Chris Flicker, MC Teggy, Renegades of Funk, and the Radio 90s band.

A number of award-winning tattoo artists will be on hand throughout the day to provide 'flash' tattoos to those who want them.

Tickets, priced €15, are currently available from the reception of the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.

Joe Ward, the professional boxer who also assists with coaching at Athlone Boxing Club, said all support will be much appreciated.

"We are delighted to have so many great people and businesses on board to support our event to raise funds to build a new boxing club for Athlone. Your support is greatly appreciated for this fun and family day," said Joe.

The boxing club currently trains in the basement of Saint Peter and Paul's Church, in a gym which doesn't have dressing rooms or toilet facilities.

It's aiming to develop a new purpose-built premises off the Ballymahon Road, between the Athlone Regional Sports Centre and the Athlone Town FC football stadium.

A planning application for the boxing club's development was submitted to Westmeath County Council last November, and the local authority has since requested further information on the plans.