The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is reaffirming its alignment with the work of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the importance placed by the Association on the publication of its Equality Review of the Ulster Boxing Council, in light of comments today by the Minister for Communities.

The Association takes this opportunity to again recognise the vital role of the Minister for Communities in highlighting the shared responsibility across sport to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusion for all.

The IABA acknowledges that the Minister has, in his statement to the Assembly, shared his personal view. This personal view is not supported by the findings of the Equality Commission’s report, nor in its recommendations. As the Minister is aware, the Equality Commission’s report does not make any finding of discrimination. On that basis, the IABA strongly and unequivocally refutes any suggestion that discrimination on religious or community grounds has taken place within the IABA or Ulster Boxing Council

As the Minister knows, the IABA and Ulster Boxing Council engaged fully and constructively with the Equality Commission throughout this process. The report makes a number of recommendations to strengthen governance, clarify selection processes, and further embed good relations practice within boxing structures, and highlights areas for continuous improvement in governance and communication. The IABA is well advanced in working to implement those recommendations in partnership with Sport NI and the Department for Communities.

IABA welcomes the Minister’s endorsement of the Equality Commission’s proposal to establish an Oversight Panel, and looks forward to working with the members of this group to showcase the work of the Association and Ulster Boxing Council  in this vital area

Clarification on the Duncan Morrow Report

In relation to comments about the implementation of the Independent Working Group Report on Boxing in Ulster (2013), chaired by Professor Duncan Morrow, the Minister will know that SportNI, as the relevant oversight and funding body, formally signed off on the implementation of those recommendations in 2016 following its Governance and Management Audit, which recorded the majority as completed (green) and the remainder as in progress due to external dependencies.

Since that time, the IABA and Ulster Boxing Council have continued to embed and refine these good practice measures across all levels of the sport. The IABA emphasises that the work of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is ongoing. EDI within boxing is, and should be, a continuous process of reflection, learning, and improvement.

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Boxing in Ulster and throughout Ireland has a long and proud tradition of bringing people together across community lines. Our clubs are inclusive, community-based organisations that welcome everyone, regardless of background, faith, or belief. Many have played leading roles in peacebuilding and social cohesion, particularly during times of division and challenge.

The IABA remains firmly committed to:

• Ensuring all athletes continue to be selected on merit, in line with transparent and published criteria;
• Promoting equality of opportunity and good relations at every level of the sport; and
• Working collaboratively with the Equality Commission, Sport NI, Sport Ireland, and other partners to implement best practice governance standards.

Constructive Engagement with the Minister

The IABA welcomes the opportunity to meet directly with the Minister for Communities to discuss the Equality Commission’s findings. Constructive engagement and cooperation remain central to ensuring public confidence and to achieving our shared goal of making boxing a truly inclusive sport for all.

Double Olympian and Olympic medalist Aidan Walsh has announced his retirement from boxing, bringing to a close a glittering 17-year career representing his club, county, and country with distinction.

Aidan has competed at the highest levels of boxing and etched his name into the annals of Irish sporting history with a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, his memorable victory over Merven Clair of Mauritius in the quarter-finals standing as one of Ireland’s great Olympic moments. In June 2024, he became a double Olympian, qualifying for the Paris Games. Aidan is also a multiple Commonwealth Games medalist, winning gold at the 2015 Youth Games, silver at the 2018 Gold Coast Games, and gold in Birmingham in 2022.

Aidan’s career has been defined not only by resilience, dedication and sporting excellence, but also by a unique sibling partnership. Alongside his sister Michaela, he has shared the journey on many of boxing’s biggest stages, competing together at two Olympic Games and two Commonwealth Games. Both have spoken of the privilege of living their sporting dreams side by side. Aidan says “One highlight is to do with my sister. In the moment, it’s hard to appreciate those moments but looking back now, to do all that, to go to all of those countries, to go to two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games with my sister it’s just an absolute privilege. It’s something that I hope to tell my kids and grandkids. I couldn’t have done it without Michaela being there, without my family.”

Aidan adds “Sport’s been good to me. Sport Ireland has been good to me, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, SportNI and and the Irish Amateur Boxing Association have been really good to me. Above all, regardless of medal success or any type of achievement, I think its the relationships that I’ve made that really mean the most and are what I’ve come to appreciate more than the medals. When I talk about that, I get quite emotional. I’ve felt very lucky in my career I’ve had really good people around me. I’ve been really blessed. I’d like to think those relationships will continue to flourish over the next two thirds of my life. “

A passionate advocate for mental health, Aidan has been open about the personal challenges that led him to step away from the sport for 14 months. His return in late 2023 was remarkable, boxing six times in eight days at the Olympic World qualifier in Bangkok to secure his place at his second Olympic Games. He described that journey as “the toughest experience of my boxing career, but my proudest moment in sport.” An IABA-qualified coach, Aidan is currently studying for a Master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the sport and helping the next generation thrive and he is determined to give as much back to the sport as possible. Aidan says “I feel so lucky in my career. I’ve been helped by really good people. I got the best support services and the best advice and the best care…I’m now hoping to do a PhD next year. I would love to do it within Irish amateur boxing. Myself and (Dr) Paul Gaffney (Sport Ireland Clinical Psychologist) are writing a book on our work over the last number of years on how to help young athletes coming through with tips and tools and suggestions. I’d love to write my own book after that; I have a number of personal experiences and stories that could really contribute to young people and Elite sport. They would be my goals”

Aidan has also paid tribute to Belfast’s long tradition of boxing success “Alot of the clubs do a lot of great work. Holy Family, Holy Trinity, they would be two of the most dominate clubs in Belfast; if you look at the history of these clubs, and Mickey Hawkins and Gerry Storey and a number of other coaches around Belfast and what they done for Irish boxing. Amazing! Those coaches and those clubs contribute a huge amount to the success of Irish Olympic boxing. There’s a number of clubs within Belfast who do such a good job and really influence athletes from grassroots right up to Elite level performance. They all contribute to Irish boxing immensely”

High Performance Head Coach, Zauri Antia, said: “I have coached Aidan in the High Performance Unit for almost 7 years. He is a very special boxer. His style is unique: technical, skillful and swift. His work ethic is incredible, his focus is deep, and he gave everything to his training and competing. To become a two-time Olympian and multiple Commonwealth Games medalist is extraordinary. Aidan leaves a legacy of boxing excellence. More important that his achievements is the fact he is a special person. I am very proud of him and proud to know him.”

High Performance Director, Jon Mackey, said: “Aidan’s contribution to Irish boxing is immense. We owe him a debt of gratitude, not only for his achievements in Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport, but for the sheer joy of watching him box. Although his retirement coincides with my arrival, I can already see his influence in athletes like his sister Michaela, and in rising talents such as Patsy Joyce. Aidan’s willingness to share his experience and knowledge will continue to shape the culture of High Performance boxing. I wish him every success in his retirement.”

IABA President, Anto Donnelly, said ““On behalf of the Irish boxing family and all fans of the sport, thank you, Aidan Walsh. Your dedication and achievements have inspired a new generation to step between the ropes and brought countless moments of pride and joy to Irish boxing.”

The boxing community extends its deepest thanks to Aidan for his service, leadership, and inspiration over 17 remarkable years. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.

Thank you, Aidan, for everything.

Paris Olympian and World bronze medalist, Grainne Walsh, has joined the second edition of the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s hugely successful Olympic Movement Breaks, part of the OFI’s Dare to Believe schools programme.

The initiative, sponsored by Allianz and supported by Olympic Solidarity through the International Olympic Committee (IOC), brings fun, energy, and inspiration to classrooms across Ireland through movement and sport.

The Olympic Movement Breaks are fun and functional active breaks designed for primary schools – a simple, engaging way to build more active minutes into the school day. Delivered through short 4-5 minute videos, each break can be easily played on a classroom whiteboard or screen, introducing students to Team Ireland Olympians, Paralympians, and high performance athletes.

Over the 2-week Olympic Movement Break Challenge which will run from November 17 – November 28, students will move, learn, and have fun while mastering key Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) – the building blocks of all physical activity. Across ten action–packed sessions, classes will explore and practice running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing, and striking, all while celebrating the Olympic spirit and building confidence through movement. A national study found that a concerning proportion of Irish children (5-12 years old) have not yet mastered these key skills.

Following the success of the first edition, which saw more than 123,000 children nationwide take part, this second series features a new group of Team Ireland athletes: Fintan McCarthy (rowing), Orla Comerford (athletics – para), Sarah Lavin (athletics), Amee Leigh Costigan (rugby sevens), John Shortt (swimming), Nicola Tuthill (athletics), Gráinne Walsh (boxing), Rhys McClenaghan (gymnastics) and Colin Judge (para table tennis). 

The new videos support teachers in bringing movement into the school day and can be used as part of a scheduled active break, or simply as a fun and educational tool to re-energise students during lessons.

Dare to Believe was co-founded by Beijing 2008 Olympian Roisin McGettigan-Dumas and Roisin Jones. Speaking at the launch of the Olympic Movement Breaks, the latest initiative from the Allianz sponsored programme, Jones said,

“We’re thrilled to launch the second edition of Olympic Movement Breaks after such a fantastic response from schools last year. It’s about making movement fun and achievable for every child, and giving them a chance to connect with real Olympic athletes who embody teamwork, resilience, and joy in sport. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of Allianz and the Olympic Solidarity programme, who help us inspire the next generation to move and believe in themselves.”

Registration for the Dare to Believe Olympic Movement Breaks is free of charge, and all details can be found on www.daretobelieve.ie 

Team Ireland Olympic Movement Break Athletes

Name:	Sport	County
Nicola Tuthill	Athletics	Cork
Sarah Lavin	Athletics	Limerick
Grainne Walsh	Boxing	Offaly
Rhys McClenaghan	Gymnastics	Down
Orla Comerford	Para Athletics	Dublin
Colin Judge	Para Table Tennis	Dublin
Fintan McCarthy	Rowing	Cork
Amee Leigh Costigan	Rugby Sevens	Tipperary
John Shortt	Swimming	Galway

Boxing received several notable honourable mentions in the release of the Olympic Federation of Ireland’s shortlist for its Community Impact Award.

The accolade is part of the Olympic Sport Awards, in which world champion Aoife O’Rourke is nominated for Female Athlete of the Year and world bronze medalist, Patsy Joyce, is nominated for the Rising Star Award. You can vote for Aoife and Patsy here

The OFI today released the shortlist for the Community Impact Award, which includes Cricket Connects Summer Camps, Rhys McClenaghan Club Tour and Inbhear Dee AC.

There were, however, notable mentions for community impacts and contributions for two time Olympic Champion, Kellie Harrington, Paris Olympian Daina Moorehouse, double Olympic bronze medalist, Paddy Barnes, and Noel Burke, the St. Mary’s BC club coach of Kellie and Grainne Walsh.

An Ireland V India International boxing series has concluded with Ireland coming away with 26 wins to India’s 10. The second leg, which took place today at the home of Irish Boxing, included dominant wins for Paris Olympians Jack Marley, Jenny Lehane and Dean Clancy and World bronze medalist, Patsy Joyce.

Boxers from Antrim (3), Down (1), Dublin (8), Galway (2), Laois (1), Leitrim (1), Mayo (2) and Westmeath (2) all boxed for Ireland today, including 2024 European gold medalist, Shannon Sweeney, European bronze medalist Niamh Fay, and last year’s European Youth champ, Ava Henry.

Ireland 14 wins from 20 bouts today, to claim the series.

These internationals are the 8th and 9th to take place this year following three Youth Internationals in March involving Wales, France & India, an Elite International against Austria in May, and the U23 Round Robin in Belfast earlier this month which included England, Hungary and an Ulster Select.

This series included composite Elite and U23 Team Ireland squads, and are a part of the Team Ireland European U23 Championship preparations – which include a 10-week bloc of training at the High Performance Unit on the Sport Ireland Campus, in addition to the 3-day international Round Robin. The team was previously named and is available here – they will depart for Budapest on November 21^st.

IABA extends thanks to all officials who gave of their time to officiate at and administer both Internationals, and to St. Catherine’s Boxing Club, Dublin, for hosting events on November 1st

Results, November 8^th: Ireland 14 | India 6

57kg Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal BC Dublin beat Yatri, 5-0

48kg Kampalna beat Ciara Walsh, Smithfield Boxing Club Dublin, 5-0

90kg Jack Marley, Monkstown BC Dublin beat Ishan, 4-1

80+kg Ritika beat Cliona D’Arcy, Tobar Pheadair BC Galway, 4-0

50kg Ankit beat Louis Rooney, Star ABC Belfast, 3-2

51kg Carlagh Peake, Ballyhaunis BC Mayo beat Suman Kumari, 5-0

55kg Patsy Joyce, Olympic BC Mullingar beat Manasha, 5-0

60kg Adam Hession, Monivea BC Galway beat Sagar, 5-0

51kg Shannon Sweeney, St. Anne’s BC Mayo beat Yakshika, 5-0

65kg Dean Clancy, Sean McDermott BC Leitrim beat Sumit, 4-1

70kg Jon McConnell, Holy Trinity BC Belfast beat Sarthi, 5-0

54kg Nisha beat Robyn Kelly, Ballynacargary BC Westmeath, 3-0

75kg Gavin Rafferty, Dublin Docklands BC beat Shubhdeep, 5-0

54kg Jenny Lehane, DCU Athletic BC Dublin beat Poonam, 4-1

60kg Kellie McLoughlin, St. Catherine’s BC Dublin beat Prachi, 4-1

90kg Garyn McAllister, North Down BC beat Daksh, 3-2

65kg Ava Henry, Dublin Docklands BC beat Parthari, 5-0

65kg Akansha beat Kaci Rock, Holy Trinity BC Belfast, 4-1

80kg Mikayla Kelly, Sacred Heart Boxing Club Laois beat Komal, 4-1

70kg Preha beat Gabriel Mongan, Jobstown BC, Dublin, 4-1

Results, November 1st: Ireland 12 | India 4

60kg Gavin Ryan, Ratoath BC, Meath beat Manish, 3-0

65kg Roy Colgan, Avona BC, Dublin beat Sagar Jakhar, 3-0

70kg Sumit beat Ryan Jenkins, Jobstown BC, Dublin, 2-1

51kg Shannon Sweeney, St. Anne’s BC, Mayo beat Yashika, 3-0

75kg Tadgh O’Donnell, Jobstown BC, Dublin beat Sarathi Saini, 3-0

85kg Sean Mackay Trant, Monkstown BC, Dublin beat Gaurav, 2-1

90kg Jack Marley, Monkstown BC, Dublin beat Daksh, 3-0

54kg Rachel Lawless, St. Brigid’s BC, Offaly beat Suman kumari, 3-0

57kg Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal BC, Dublin beat Poonam, 3-0

48kg Tiffany Spencer, Jobstown BC, Dublin beat Kalpana, 2-1

54kg Nisha beat Robyn Kelly, Ballynacargy Boxing Club, Westmeath, 3-0

57kg Natalia Fasciszewska, Castlebar BC, Mayo beat Yatri Shrishkamal Patel, 2-1

60kg Prachi beat Rebecca Kavanagh,  Mulhuddart BC, Dublin, 2-1

65kg Ava Henry, Dublin Docklands BC beat Parthavi Grevel, 3-0

70kg Gabrielle Mongan, Jobstown BC, Dublin beat Akasha Phalaswal, 2-1

80+kg Ritika beat Cliona Darcy, Tobar Pheadair BC, Galway by RSCi