How a garage gym became a boxing club uniting diverse communities

Dungannon Boxing Club was formed in 1987

"A few years ago I was going through a really rough period in my life, then I joined the boxing club, and honestly it gave me a reason to live."

Eoin Mellon from County Tyrone only started boxing in his late teens, but said it has had a profound impact on his life.

He is part of a group of young men from diverse backgrounds who are coming together through a boxing club in Dungannon.

The 21-year-old from Ballygawley added: "No one is ever judged in this club for what they believe in or what race, religion or ethnicity they are, everybody is treated as an equal."

Eoin Mellon started boxing in his late teens

Dungannon Boxing Club started out in the late 1980s in a garage that was converted into a makeshift gym out the back of Dee Jardine's father's house.

"My father built the garage in 1987, so people would have a place to come and train and have somewhere to bring the community together," Dee Jardine said.

Since then, the gym has moved to its own premises on the edge of Dungannon town centre and Dee has taken on the mantle of running the club.

It's located in the Milltown area which would traditionally be seen as a Protestant or unionist part of the town.

These days Dungannon has one of Northern Ireland's fastest-growing migrant communities.

Dee Jardine said in recent years the boxing club has worked hard to make everyone feel welcome.

Dee Jardine's father started Dungannon Boxing Club out of his garage in 1987

"We're trying to bring to bring different communities under one roof, training together and getting on together and sport has the power to do that," he said.

"Dungannon is a very multicultural town, so not only do we have people from different religions training side by side, we have a huge amount of different cultures mixing, it's great to see and I'm proud of it."

Dee said all young people are welcome, even those worried about paying a gym membership.

"As long as they have good work ethic, and they're polite and respectful, we'll work something out," he added.

'We're all united by boxing'

It's something that Dee's son Lee, who boxes at the club, also feels passionate about.

"There are lads here I would have never met if it wasn't for the club, Protestant, Catholic, different ethnic backgrounds, it doesn't matter, we're all united by boxing, it's a very mixed community," the 17-year-old said.

"Boxing has taught me a lot life lessons including discipline and resilience, and we may fight in the ring, but outside when we see each other in town or whatever, we're all mates."

Lee Jardine says the boxing club has helped him connect with other young people from different communities

Matthew has been boxing for five years.

The 16-year-old said the gym had created a community.

"I've made it to the All-Ireland's twice and I'm dying to get back, so it gives me focus and something to strive towards."

Matthew and Richard Neill are active members of Dungannon Boxing Club

After his son joined, Matthew's father Richard started volunteering at the club after seeing the positive impact boxing had on his son.

"It's fantastic, it's giving young people an outlet, it keeps them out of trouble, and it does no harm to get me out of the house as well," he added.

Dungannon Boxing Club members train up to three times a week

The club suffered a setback last month when its gym was broken into.

"There was some money stolen, doors damaged, a TV damaged, but you can't let it get you down and the community have been great in lending a helping hand," said Dee.

He added that the club was about more than boxing and had become a social community hub.

"Boxing is a grassroots sport and has always thrived in working class areas, it takes very little to get into it and thrive in it and it really does build character.

"Three nights a week it gives our young people a place to go and we're always encouraging them to think about their education and their careers."

Organisers of Dungannon Boxing Club says its doors are open to everyone

The club has plans to host a number of boxing tournaments in the coming months.

But for members like Eoin Mellon, it's less about silverware and more about the life lessons he is learning.

He added: "At times when I've felt down, boxing has taught me that just like in life, you can fall down, and you have your losses.

"But like boxing, no matter what happens, if you keep at it, keep training, keep pushing towards your goals, you'll get there."