IRISH SQUAD ARRIVE HOME FROM WORLD YOUTHS

Team Ireland returned home from the World Youths Championships in St Petersburg, Russia via Dublin Airport this morning.

Gabriel Dossen and Michael Nevin of the Olympic BC and Portlaoise BC claimed double bronze at the final AIBA tournament of the year.

Ireland’s nine-strong squad finished in joint 13th place with Germany in the medals table and in 11th spot in the rankings table.

Speaking at today’s homecoming, Pat Ryan, President of the IABA, hailed the performances of Team Ireland, who went through three intense training training camps in Dublin, Belfast and Moscow prior to St Petersburg.

“The squad did really well at the World Youth Championships and I think they will play a huge part in the future of the IABA. It’s testament to the standard and strength of our Youths that we had seven different athletes on this team than we had on the squad we sent to the European Youth Championships earlier this year, he said.

“It reflects and mirrors the strong position we are in at this level. We have to acknowledge the clubs and club coaches and their huge contribution to developing our Youths and the roles they play through County, Provincial and National level.

“Congratulations to our squad on their performances in St Petersburg and team manager Stephen Connolly and coaches Billy McClean and John Conlan and our staff.”

“I would also like to pay tribute to and thank  Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and the collaborative and concerted efforts and contributions from all our stakeholders that has made this success possible.”

Please scroll down for pictures from today’s homecoming