Beneath this artwork lies a century of stories. This is the Belvedere Newsboys Club Mural. It represents a legacy of helping young people in Dublin.
The Belvedere Newsboys Club began in 1918. Ex-pupils of Belvedere College wanted to assist the city’s poorest boys. They offered a safe and warm place. Initially, it was called the Belvedere Newsboys’ Club. Many members sold newspapers to support their families. They worked on street corners and in pubs.
Two key founders were Victor Plunkett and Dr. William Lombard Murphy. Dr. Murphy noticed many newsboys could not read or write. So the club provided education and recreation. Sports, summer camps, and literacy programs were offered. The Belvedere Newsboys Club operated from various locations.
Belvedere College alumni played a vital role. They volunteered and supported the club through the Belvedere College Union. In 1972, the club changed its name to Belvedere Youth Club. It admitted female members. The club hired its first full-time director.
Gerry Walsh, an “old boy,” published a history of the club. It celebrated the first ninety years. His book includes memories and photos from people connected to the club.
One story tells of Martin Coffey’s father. A leader from the Belvedere Newsboys’ Club invited him to join. Martin’s father later encouraged his own sons to become members. Martin himself joined the guitar class and was in the first boy band to play on RTE in 1967.
Another story involves Terry Fay. He had to sell newspapers to support his mother. He was caught without a license but was spared from industrial school. Gerry Walsh spoke to the judge on his behalf.
The Belvedere Newsboys Club moved to a permanent location in Buckingham Street in the 1990s. It was a custom-built space made possible through fundraising.
Today, the Belvedere Youth Club continues to serve the community. It offers services to young people aged seven to twenty-five. The club provides educational, personal, and career development. It aims to build confidence and help members control their futures. Many former members return as volunteers and supporters.
The Belvedere Youth Club has become a rite of passage for local families. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren of “old boys” now attend. The club offers a space to develop skills and make friends.
The Belvedere Newsboys Club helped many young individuals. They gained skills in football, boxing, and music. Their lives changed for the better. Even the lives of the volunteers were enriched. They got to know the members and their families. They saw the conditions in one-room tenements.
The mural stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. It reminds us of the Belvedere Newsboys Club’s positive impact on Dublin’s youth. The club continues to adapt to new needs. It now helps refugees by teaching them English and offering a welcoming community.