Fitzgerald Park & Mountwood flats were known in the 90's as one of the worst crime based areas in the whole of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown borough. Then when heroin and other drugs hit the scene in Ireland, they also hit these areas really badly. In Fitzgerald Park there was over 100 maisonette type apartments and in Mountwood there were over 100 flats in 9 blocks that were 4 stories high. Then in the late 90's and early 20th century the County council decided to knock these blocks of flats down and build houses on. So they knocked 8 blocks down and built lovely houses on, but there still is one block left were reside on the 3rd floor. Thomas Rapple who resides in one the houses decided something has to be done about this area, he quoted "there is absolutely nothing for the kids in this area, its no wonder they are getting in to trouble", so he took it on himself and went to the local resource centre and aired his views and stated that there should be a boxing club set up to help the kids. The resource centre gave him all their backing and also the 3rd floor of the last block of flats. Thomas then went on a recruiting mission and brought local Irish Champion John Paul Kinsella and avid boxing fans Alan Coyne, Dano Lawlor, Derek Gray, Alan Murphy, Reggie Byrne and also Andy "Wishy" Brennan who is in the Army to join him on his mission. The club was officially opened by Professional Irish Super Middleweight Champion Jim "Pink Panter" Rock on the 23rd April 05. Only last week 10th June 05 we recorded 81 different boys & girls come through the doors in one week which is an amazing achievement.
Thomas & Co. you are our heroes......:-)