Clubs attending the IABA’s EGM have voted in favour of a motion to remove reference to the IBA (AIBA) from the Association’s constitution in a decision described as “hugely positive” by IABA Chair, Niall O’Carroll.
140 clubs attended at the National Stadium today, in an EGM called by 44 clubs. These clubs triggered the meeting under Article 4.9 of the IABA Constitution. This allows 10% or more of clubs to request an EGM on a stated cause. These clubs proposed a vote that “‘To remove any references to IBA ( AIBA) from all relevant Objects in the IABA Constitution whether contained in the Memorandum or the Articles of Association.’
The meeting opened with an address from Chair of the IABA Board of Directors, Niall O’Carroll, who affirmed that this EGM was taking place as it was requested by clubs. He addressed matters including selection for the 2024 World Youth Championships and confirmed that no sanction will be taken against any child that boxes under a neutral flag.
The first speaker was JP Kinsella, Secretary of Monkstown Boxing Club. JP was the motion’s proposer and spoke at length to state that this EGM was called by clubs, and not Central Council, the Board of Directors, Sport Ireland or the Olympic Federation of Ireland. He spoke about the need for clubs to be able to work with clubs in any federation they want, and of the value of the Olympic Games as an aspiration for all boxers. Others to address the EGM included Liam Morley Brereton of St. Brigid’s Boxing Club, Edenderry who stated in favour; Darren McGavin of Moyle Park BC who was opposed, Dom Robinson of South East Boxing Club who was also opposed; Andrew Duncan of Rochfortbridge BC who spoke in favour, and Johnny Joyce of Olympic BC Mullingar, who spoke on other matters.
This resolution required 51% approval to pass. 140 clubs cast their votes. Of those, 73 voted in favour, 40 voted against and 27 votes were adjudged invalid by the Scrutineers. The Scrutineers self-nominated from the attending non-voting delegates. They included Liam Morley Brereton of St. Brigid’s Boxing Club, Edenderry and Trish O’Loughlin of St. Catherine’s Boxing Club. Scrutineers were assisted by auditor, Declan Fitzgerald of Nexus Accounting.
Chair of the IABA Board of Directors, Niall O’Carroll, said “Today was an important day for Irish boxing. Clubs have called their own EGM and have decided they want to remove IBA from our constitution. This will, when those changes are voted on, mean that clubs have the freedom to work with clubs in any federation they want, including the USA, England, Germany, and others. This is vital for the development of our clubs and our boxers. Its equally important that we acknowledge our status as Ireland’s most successful Olympic Sport, and the heritage that stems from that incredible status. I know some club members have stated on social media that the Olympics is just a two week tournament every four years – but it’s much more than that. Its the dream of kids when they first walk in club house doors. They want to be Kellie Harrington. We want them to have that opportunity and today, we moved a step closer to making sure they can still hold that dream close.”
Niall adds “I’m really heartened by the open, honest dialogue in the National Stadium today. We’ve come a long way in a short time and we should recognise our progress towards transparency. We began this conversation 16 months ago with a series of EGM Info meetings throughout the Association and today, all speakers at the podium spoke passionately about their perspective on changing our constitution. I confirmed, again, that it is the clubs, and only the clubs, who will decide if IABA leaves, or joins, any international federation. It is the clubs that will decide the future of the Association – it’s their Association.”
In order for the changes requested by clubs today to take effect, clubs will be asked to vote on a special resolution. This vote is likely to take place at IABA’s AGM, scheduled for November 24th.
Motion in Support of the Defence Forces
Crumlin Boxing Club President, Liam Mooney, spoke passionately about the contribution of the Defence Forces to Irish Boxing. The Defence Forces was central to the establishment of the Association in 1911. Liam noted the number of national and international champions with Defence Forces affiliation, and that Ireland’s first boxing gold medal was won by a member of the Defence Forces, Michael Carruth.
In recognition of this proud and long-standing contribution, Liam proposed that the IABA pledge its support for Irish troops serving in Lebanon. The 124 Infantry Battalion has been deployed there on UNIFIL peacekeeping duty, in a region in which UNIFIL has stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has deliberately fired on a number of non-Irish peacekeeping positions on Thursday. No Irish peacekeepers were injured in the incidents
This was seconded by National Registrar, Philip Rooney, to applause from all in attendance.
Proposed Ordinary Resolution
A proposed Ordinary Motion on the adoption of a revised rulebook has been deferred. A two phase formal consultation on the revision of the rulebook took place in November-December 2023 and June-July 2024. A 10 month information consultation was open between November 2023 and September 2024. The revised rulebook was adopted by the Board of Directors on September 20th last – but member voting on adoption has been postponed to allow additional consultations with State Services: the Defence Forces, Gardai, the PSNI and Universities.