The Academy, which was originally known as St Teresa's Boxing Club, decided to close its doors since head coach Mark Buckley could not find a suitable location for his fighters' training.

John Brady, TD for Wicklow Sinn Féin, stated that he and other members of the club had been “working hard” to attempt to find alternative full-time housing that meets their needs and prevent the club from going down permanently.

“We approached the council with a view to using the community centre in Giltspur Heights,” stated Mr. Brady. The council decided to set up a lease for the use of the property after holding several meetings and presenting a formal proposal. Over the last few months, a lease has been drafted.

This is a victory for both sports and the community. We have to thank the council for all of their efforts in making this happen. I plan to utilise this as a springboard for the club and will keep collaborating with them to find a bigger, more long-term clubhouse that is centred in the community.

He said that this “needs to serve as a wake-up call,” pointing out that the club, like many other community-based organisations and organisations, struggles to thrive owing to a shortage of communal space.

The Academy has demonstrated “such resilience amid so many barriers and so much struggle in their search for a home,” according to Sinn Féin Councillor Dermot O'Brien.

For both young and old in the community, from champion boxers to individuals who just need an outlet to clear their thoughts a few times a week or remain active, the club can “now finally get back to a focus on doing what they do best,” according to Cllr O'Brien.

“We should support the coaches and members of this club in their important role in our town,” he continued.