‘‘Our sport recognises no borders. It is a sport of the people.’’
The Irish Amateur Boxing Association today salutes its Olympic heroes.
Dr John Lynch Chairman of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association today August 13th, said, ‘‘our sport has been the source of extraordinary and lasting pride to the Irish nation. John McNally won our first boxing medal in 1952 at the Games in Helsinki and 60 years later we are still delivering. It is our pride and passion. Our sport is purely amateur, democratic, non sectarian,community based and recognises no borders. It is a sport of the people.’’
The huge success in London is largely due to the formation of a coaching strategy put in place in 1989 by the IABA.The people responsible for preparing the ground for this golden age of Irish boxing include Gerry Story, Austin Carruth, Michael Hawkins,John Mahon, Brendan O’Conaire,and Gary Keegan.We thank all the Presidents over past years in particular current President Tommy Murphy.At grassroots level the hard work of the clubs,boxing council, county boards, provincial council and team of volunteers produces these diamonds.
Katie Taylor,Paddy Barnes,John Joe Nevin,Michael Conlan,Adam Nolan,Darren O’Neill,Billy Walsh,Peter Taylor and Zaur Antia have done their country proud.Their achievements in London have lifted the nation.
The IABA would like to thank the Government,successive Ministers and the Sports Council for the funding of boxing.
Dr Lynch concluded, ‘‘some people think boxing is for the Olympics. And we prove today it is. But boxing is a passion for so many communities up and down the country. It is also one of the great spectator sports. Ask the thousands who stood in the sunshine in Bray on Thursday is it a great spectacle? They’ll give you the answer.’’
For more information
Sean Fitzpatrick 087-6292386 seanfitzpatrick3@gmail.com
