Boxing club takes case to secure lease on premises

A boxing club wants the High Court to rule it is entitled to continue operating in its Dublin premises for a minimum of five years.

Trinity Boys Boxing Club in Donaghmede had in 2012 secured injunctions preventing its landlord, Trinity Sports and Leisure Club (TSLC), allegedly terminating a 2008 agreement allowing it to occupy premises at the Hole in the Wall Road for at least five years.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan reiterated his view that the parties should try to come to an agreement given the "great work" the club is doing. The judge noted a number of well known people from the boxing world were in attendance for the hearing including Olympic medal winners Michael Carruth and Kenneth Egan. The court has heard the dispute arose after the boxing club sought in 2011 to carry out building works.

As part of its application for a €25,000 sports grant, it had to show it had a lease of TSLC for at least another five years.

As part of the licence agreement to operate in the premises, the boxing club required permission from TSLC before any building works could be carried out.

However, a dispute arose over whether such permission was granted with TSLC saying it had lost its trust in the boxing club.

Central to the dispute was an allegation that the signature of TSLC chairman Patrick M Byrne had been forged on a letter, a claim strongly denied by the boxing club.

The hearing continues.