Mixed Martial Artist Conor McGregor has stepped in to stop a Laois gym from having to close.
On Friday night, the owners of Straight Blast Gym in Portarlington announced they would be unable to reopen due to rising costs associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.
SBG Portarlington, which has operated for the last four years Riverside Commercial Park, posted on Facebook on Friday that they would be closing for good.
The gym is run by Philip and Alvina Mulpeter – and has more than 200 members.
Posting on Friday, an emotional Philip said: “Tonight, we close our doors in the gym for the last time. Unfortunately, we are forced to shut our gym down.
“To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement. The Covid pandemic has been tough on us all and we can no longer keep the gym going. Due to mounting rent bills during lockdowns we just can’t sustain.”
The news provoked an outpouring of emotion with hundreds of comments flooding in.
However, members, staff and the owners have been thrown a lifeline by Dubliner McGregor who has decided to help.
They posted: “From the lowest low to the highest high. WE ARE NOT CLOSING!!
“Our team-mate and friend Conor McGregor has decided to help us out and keep the gym running. We will be eternally grateful.
“To everyone that messaged and got in touch with us to show your support, thank you all so much. See you all on the mats.”
