Mullingar Shuffler Boxing Club prepares for new season

In just two short seasons, Mullingar Shuffling Boxing Club has achieved what many clubs only dream of: multiple Leinster champions, four national titles, and a boxer set to represent Ireland on the international stage.

Tucked away in a modest gym on Patrick Street, Mullingar, the club is quietly building a strong reputation, all while shaping the lives of young athletes from across the community.

At the heart of it all is the club’s founder, a well-known figure in Irish boxing and a former Olympic silver medallist, John Joe Nevin. Driven by a passion for the sport, he is now focused on developing the next generation of champions while offering young people a positive outlet through boxing.

“We are only open two seasons now,” he explains. “The first year, we won one national title and one Leinster, that was won by Martin, my son. Now in our second season, we have got five Leinster champions and three national titles which is massive progress,”.

But success hasn't come easily. The club trains out of a small, rented facility with limited resources. “As you see, the facilities are not great,” he says. “We’re crying out for help, just to support the club, to keep the lights on, literally. We’re nearly dipping into our own pockets just to keep afloat.” Though resources are limited, the club has become a welcoming space where young athletes from diverse backgrounds come together to train and grow.

“We’re open to everyone. The doors reopen on Monday, August 4, and we are actively looking for new members,” he says. “Boxing has changed my life. It has helped my sons, and I want to give that back to the next generation in Mullingar.”

The achievements coming out of Mullingar Shuffling Boxing Club speak for themselves. Among the young standout names is Christy Nevin, who has claimed both Leinster and Irish titles at 46kg, while another rising star, Davey Nevin, is the Leinster Youth 1 Champion at 57kg. Not to be outdone, Christy Nevin captured the Leinster title at 33kg, and Christy Joyce became Leinster Champion at 38.5kg.

Leading the pack is Martin Nevin, a three-time Irish Champion at 40kg, 42kg, and 46kg, and a Leinster Champion in the club’s first season. Martin is now preparing to travel to the U.S. as part of the Irish national squad, further cementing the club’s growing reputation on the international stage.

With multiple champions already and several boxers representing Ireland abroad, the club is clearly producing some of the country’s most promising young talent.

John Joe himself hasn’t hung up the gloves either. After several years away from competitive action, the 2012 London Olympic Silver medallist is back in the ring with three recent wins under his belt and hopes of a world title shot on the horizon.

“I have had three fights since coming back. I am looking at another two or three, and then maybe a world title eliminator,” he says. “But balancing my own training with coaching is tough. Thankfully, I have got great help here from everyone in the club,” he said.

With a dedicated team of five volunteer coaches at the helm, the club is creating a positive outlet for young people, offering discipline, direction, and a place to stay active and focused.

“We are not paid. We give up our time because we believe in these kids. All we need is a bit of funding, even just to fix the leaks in the roof or, ideally, build a proper facility. Imagine what we could do then,” he concluded.

As it gears up for its third season beginning this August, the club is welcoming new members and encourages anyone interested to get in touch at 083 424 0018.