The draw has taken place in Sofia today for the 2024 European U22 Championships. A total of 327 boxers from 36 federations will contest the tournament.

Team Ireland’s team of 18 boxers includes 2022 World Champion, Lisa O’Rourke, 2022 European U22 gold medalist, Niamh Fay, 2023 European U22 bronze medalist Niamh Fay, superheavy Martin McDonagh, who contested to qualification bout stage at the 2nd Olympic World Qualifier, 2022 World Youth quarter finalist Gavin Ryan and 2022 EUBC European Youth champion, Bobbi Flood. Of the 18, half are one win away from medals, having received byes to their respective quarter finals. Another 4 members of the team have byes to the Last 16.

A third of the team have a long wait to being their championships, with competition for them not commencing until Wednesday.

October 18th is a rest day, and finals will be boxed across October 19th and 20th.

Draws

48kg Carleigh Irving, Oakleaf Boxing Club

54kg Robyn Kelly, Ballynacargy Boxing Club

57kg Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club

63kg Linda Desmond, Rylane Boxing Club

66kg Kaci Rock, Enniskerry Boxing Club

70kg Lisa O’Rourke, Castlerea Boxing Club

75kg Bethany Dooecy, Castlebar Boxing Club

48kg Louis Rooney, Star Boxing Club

51kg Clepson dos Santos, Holy Trinity ABC

54kg Patsy Joyce, Olympic BC Mullingar

57kg Gavin Ryan, Ratoath Golden Gloves Boxing Club

63.5kg Roy Colgan, Avona Boxing Club

67kg Luke Hall, Olympic Boxing Club Mullingar

71kg Bobbi Flood, Cabra Boxing Club

75kg Josh Olaniyan, Jobstown Boxing Club

80kg James Whelan, Dublin Docklands Boxing Club

86kg Kian Hedderman, St. Francis Boxing Club

92+kg Martin McDonagh, Galway Boxing Club

Competition Schedule

Day One

Three Team Ireland boxers are in action on the Opening Day of the tournament.

First up is 57kg Gavin Ryan, who takes on Romania’s TIRZOMAN EUSEBIU IULIAN in Bout 4 of Ring B’s afternoon session. 5 bouts later (Bout 9), 71kg Bobbi Flood makes his U22 debut against Turkey’s Cem Kaya. In the Evening Session, 80kg James Whelan also faces Turkish opposition. He contests against Barsican Polat in Ring A’s Bout 10.

Watch

Afternoon Sessions begin at 12pm, Irish time, while Evening Sessions begin at 3.30pm.

Ring A

Ring B

Team Ireland

48kg Carleigh Irving, Oakleaf Boxing Club

54kg Robyn Kelly, Ballynacargy Boxing Club

57kg Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club

63kg Linda Desmond, Rylane Boxing Club

66kg Kaci Rock, Enniskerry Boxing Club

70kg Lisa O’Rourke, Castlerea Boxing Club

75kg Bethany Dooecy, Castlebar Boxing Club

48kg Louis Rooney, Star Boxing Club

51kg Clepson dos Santos, Holy Trinity ABC

54kg Patsy Joyce, Olympic BC Mullingar

57kg Gavin Ryan, Ratoath Golden Gloves Boxing Club

63.5kg Roy Colgan, Avona Boxing Club

67kg Luke Hall, Olympic Boxing Club Mullingar

71kg Bobbi Flood, Cabra Boxing Club

75kg Josh Olaniyan, Jobstown Boxing Club

80kg James Whelan, Dublin Docklands Boxing Club

86kg Kian Hedderman, St. Francis Boxing Club

92+kg Martin McDonagh, Galway Boxing Club

Support Staff

Team Manager: Sean Crowley

Head Coach: Eoin Puck

Coach: Lynne McEnery

Coach: Damian Kennedy

Coach: Jay Delaney

Coach Mentor: Zauri Antia

Physiotherapist: Ceire Smith

R&J: Mal Scott.

Provisional programmes are now available for the final two days of boxing in the 2024 National Intermediate Champions, being boxed at the National Stadium.

Please note an extended weigh-in time is available on Saturday.

Friday, October 11th – Boxing begins at 6pm

FINAL

57kg   Cori Gleeson (St Francis) V  Courney McCrudden (Emerald A)

SEMI FINALS

60kg Ciara Craig (Glengormley) V Keelyn Mangan (Celtic Eagles)

60kg Leon Davis (Bracken) V Lee McEvoy (Avona)          

60kg Erik Banus (Cookstown) V Jack Douglas (Holy Family GG)

63.5kg Kuba Pielesz (Golden Gloves M) V Raymond Joyce (Clonmel)

63.5kg Joshua Tumama (Dublin Docklands) V Killian Walsh (Trojan)

67kg Peter Weatherall (St Pauls A) V Cahan Hallihan (Olympic C)

67kg Conor McCrory (Townland) V Malo Davis (Monkstown D)

71kg Cahir Gormley (Illies GG) V Sean Larkin (Dublin Docklands)   

71kg Troy Harris (Avona) V Brian Morgan (Belfast Kronk)

75kg TJ King (Ballyboughal/Defence Forces) V Obi Martins (Smithfield)

75kg Paul Reid (Erne) V Christopher Taylor (Evolution)

80kg Kevin Osifo (Cherry Orchard)  V Yuba Silem (Olympic C)

80kg Fernandez Badejo (Maynooth)V Ryan Collins Murphy (St Monicas)

86kg Rasheed Momoh (Castlebar) V Robbie Olusola (Celtic Eagles)

86kg Anthony Taggart (Ormeau Road) V Sean Trant (Monkstown)

92kg Michael O’Regan (The Hub) V Nathan Ojo (Esker)

92kg Garyn McAllister (Holy Family GG) V Eamonn Gilligan (Dublin Docklands)

92+kg Godstime Ide (Crumlin) V Harry Geraghty (Santry)

92+kg Danny Byrne (Dublin Docklands) W/O

Schedule

Friday, October 4th: boxing begins at 6pm

Saturday, October 5th: boxing begins at 11am

Sunday, October 6th: boxing begins at 2.30pm

Friday, October 11th: boxing begins at 6pm

Saturday, October 12th: boxing begins at 3pm.

Weigh-ins

Boxers must weigh-in daily, on the day of boxing.

Fridays: 8am to 9am, and 12pm to 1pm

Saturdays: 8am to 11am – late weigh-ins by arrangement.

National Registrar, Philip Rooney has advised that:

• Pro-wraps are permissible in this competition
• Men will not wear headguards.
• Women will wear headguards

Saturday, October 12th – Boxing begins at 3pm.

All programmes are subject to change

“Every kid has a right to an Olympic dream. A vote against this motion on Saturday will remove that right from boxing kids in this country. And I think that would be a disaster” – Niall O’Carroll, Chair of IABA’s Board of Directors.

IABA clubs will, on Saturday, vote in an EGM. 44 clubs, exercising their rights under Article 4.9 of the IABA Constitution, have requested this EGM to vote on the following Special Resolution: ‘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.’

Niall says “It’s not the Board of Directors driving this (EGM), it’s the members. ” and, he adds “The IBA have lost what looks like their final appeal in a Swiss Court to their expulsion by the IOC (International Olympic Committee), so it looks like IBA are finished as an Olympic federation. We are tied to IBA in our constitution. We can only be a member of IBA and we have to follow all of the rules of IBA – which then affects our ability to travel

This isn’t a vote on World Boxing and anybody who says the Board of Directors have done some sweat-heart deal with World Boxing and that as soon as this goes through, we’re going to join World Boxing: that is not true. And, as much as people like to attack me at the moment, I think every time I’ve stood up in front of our members, I’ve always told the truth. I like to stand over what I’m doing and I can categorically say that this is not true and that the members will decide what federation we join, if we decide to sever our constitutional connection with IBA. We will have another vote where members will decide on World Boxing, or whatever other federation is out there. The vote on Saturday is purely and simply to give us the freedom to step away from IBA, and make whatever decisions we need to make for the future. That’s all this is about.”

This is extraordinarily serious and important to the future of this organisation. People turning up to vote because they’re angry with me, or angry with the Coaching Commission, or angry with the Central Council or angry with the Board of Directors, are completely losing sight of the fact that this vote vote is about an Olympic future for our children. No one benefits from boxing not being in Los Angeles and absolutely no one in Ireland benefits from boxing not being part of the Olympics. We are the most successful Olympic sport in the country. It would be catastrophic to lose that.

FAQ:

1. Did the Board of Directors of the IABA propose this EGM?: No
2. Who proposed this EGM?: A group of 44 clubs
3. Why is this EGM taking place before the AGM?: If clubs request an EGM, IABA must hold that EGM within 42 days, in accordance with the constitution.
4. What are clubs being asked to vote on? These 44 clubs have stated the text of the Special Resolution as ‘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.’
5. Is this a vote on leaving IBA? No
6. Is this a vote on joining World Boxing? No
7. Is this a vote on staying with IBA and joining World Boxing? No
8. What are the potential outcomes if clubs vote to approve this resolution?
9. There will  be no restrictions  preventing  clubs in  engaging  with all  boxing relating  activities  should the IABA/Central Council permit. IABA clubs will be able to work with federations including USA Boxing, Boxing Canada, Germany and Sweden. IABA will remain a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. IABA is not aware that IBA has suspended members arising solely from constitutional amendment. IBA has suspended some members and that list is here. Italy, England Boxing and Boxing Scotland are not currently suspended. IABA clubs will give themselves the option of holding a vote on staying with IBA and joining another international federation.
10. What are the potential outcomes if clubs vote not to approve this resolution? If clubs vote not to approve the special resolution, the constitution remains as it currently is. IABA and IABA clubs are bound to the regulations set by  IBA,  which  restricts  any boxing  related   activities  with  non-IBA Federations. Should IBA remove 30+ additional federations from its approved member list, IABA clubs will no longer be able to work with clubs in those federations. IABA clubs will not have the option to vote on staying with IBA and joining another international federation. IABA will be removed as a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. If IABA is not a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, IABA boxers will not be able to participate in the LA 2028 Olympic Games or the 2026 Youth Olympics – which may have a knock-on effect in High Performance at Elite, Youth and Junior levels in terms of available resources.

A team of 18 athletes, selected to contest the 2024 European U22 Championships, has departed for Sofia this morning.

The competition, hosted by the Bulgarian Boxing Federation, takes place from October 8th to 21st. It has been confirmed that women will box without headguards at this tournament.

The team includes 2022 World Champion, Lisa O’Rourke, 2022 European U22 gold medalist, Niamh Fay, 2023 European U22 bronze medalist Niamh Fay, superheavy Martin McDonagh, who contested to qualification bout stage at the 2nd Olympic World Qualifier, 2022 World Youth quarter finalist Gavin Ryan and 2022 EUBC European Youth champion, Bobbi Flood. Around 300 boxers from 30 federations are expected to contest the competition, which the EUBC is likely to stream, live, on it’s YouTube channel

U22 Team Head Coach, Eoin Pluck, says “There’s great talent and potential in this team, which has been in training since August as part of the National U22 Training Squad. I and the U22 Coaching Team are impressed by by their individual and collective commitment to training and development, and their readiness to learn and adapt. Its a great honour to contest for your country, and I’d like to congratulate each boxer, their clubs, club coaches and their families.”

The IABA team, during their preparation bloc and with the support of Sport Ireland and SportNI sport science practitioners, have received three workshops on Nutrition, focusing on loading, recovery and weight management. The team has received two Sport Psychology workshops, learning in Physiology and will undergo SCAT/Baseline concussion testing before departure. As part of their preparations, all team members have completed an Anti-Doping workshop. This is in addition to the embedding of Strength and Conditioning in to the training plan, and a sparring camp with Italy hosted by the Ulster High Performance Unit.

High Performance Director, Tricia Heberle, says “The relationships between High Performance and targeted sport science support are vital in ensuring the highest impact preparation for this team, in tandem with the boxing technical training administered by the High Performance staff coaching team. Competition at U22 is an important transitional stage for high potential athletes, and allows them to mature and develop, technically. It also allows athletes to become accustomed to the rigours of contesting international benchmark events, and the realities of full time High Performance training. These athletes have put in the work over these training blocs, and they should look forward now to contesting this tournament to the best of their considerable abilities.”

Team Ireland

48kg Carleigh Irving, Oakleaf Boxing Club

54kg Robyn Kelly, Ballynacargy Boxing Club

57kg Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal Boxing Club

63kg Linda Desmond, Rylane Boxing Club

66kg Kaci Rock, Enniskerry Boxing Club

70kg Lisa O’Rourke, Castlerea Boxing Club

75kg Bethany Dooecy, Castlebar Boxing Club

48kg Louis Rooney, Star Boxing Club

51kg Clepson dos Santos, Holy Trinity ABC

54kg Patsy Joyce, Olympic BC Mullingar

57kg Gavin Ryan, Ratoath Golden Gloves Boxing Club

63.5kg Roy Colgan, Avona Boxing Club

67kg Luke Hall, Olympic Boxing Club Mullingar

71kg Bobbi Flood, Cabra Boxing Club

75kg Josh Olaniyan, Jobstown Boxing Club

80kg James Whelan, Dublin Docklands Boxing Club

86kg Kian Hedderman, St. Francis Boxing Club

92+kg Martin McDonagh, Galway Boxing Club

Support Staff

Team Manager: Sean Crowley

Head Coach: Eoin Puck

Coach: Lynne McEnery

Coach: Damian Kennedy

Coach: Jay Delaney

Coach Mentor: Zauri Antia

Physiotherapist: Ceire Smith

R&J: Mal Scott.

Nominations are being accepted for election to Central Council, and are being accepted to nominations@iaba.ie until 5pm on Monday, October 14^th. Nominations must be sent only to nominations@iaba.ie

As notified on September 21^st, the AGM of the IABA will take place on Sunday, November 24^th. In accordance with the requirements of Rule 14.2 of the IABA Rulebook, an Election Policy has been adopted by the Board of Directors and is attached. This Election Policy includes:

1. The policy; pages 1-13
2. Candidate Declaration; page 14
3. Nomination Papers; page 16
4. President Application for Nomination form; page 17-26

For the Information of Candidates – Please share this information with any intending candidates in your club

• All intending candidates must return the Candidate Declaration Form to nominations@iaba.ie by 5pm on Monday, October 14^th

5. All candidates intending to run for the Office of President must return the Candidate Declaration Form and the President Application for Nomination form to nominations@iaba.ie by 5pm on Monday, October 14^th.  The President Application for Nomination form is on page 17-26 of the Election Policy, which is attached.

Sample Candidate Declaration

For the information of Nominating Units

Please complete the Nomination Papers and return to nominations@iaba.ie by 5pm on Monday, October 14^th.  The signature of the President and the Secretary are required on Nomination Papers

Sample Nomination Papers:

For ease of candidate and nominator access, a PDF version of the Election policy is attached, and a Word document version of the policy is attached.

Voting: Ballot papers will be sent to the postal address stated for the Club Secretary in the club’s Blocworx portal. The ballot papers will be accompanied by voting arrangements. Clubs are advised to review the postal address stated for their Club Secretary to ensure it is up to date. The address stated in the club’s Blocworx portal as at 5pm on Monday, October 14^th is the address to which ballots will be posted.

Registration will be required to attend the AGM:

1. Eligibility: All clubs successfully affiliated for the 2024/2025 season
2. Attendees: Eligible clubs may nominate any two adult members to attend as delegates – one to be a voting delegate, one to be a non-voting delegate. Delegates nominated by clubs must verified members – this means they must be included in the club’s affiliation application, through Blocworx, for the 2024/2025 season as members and be over the age of 18. *Please note, delegates will be required to present photographic identification (passport, drivers’ licence, etc) on the day of the EGM.  

Documentation connected with the AGM, including the Agenda and the Annual Report and Financial Statements will issue in the coming weeks.

Election Policy

Word Version –