The 7-strong team to contest the final boxing qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has been named and is: Tokyo bronze medalist at 71kg, Aidan Walsh, European Games athletes Daina Moorehouse (50kg), Jennifer Lehane (54kg), Sean Mari (51kg), and Kelyn Cassidy (80kg), 66kg Grainne Walsh along with superheavy, Martin McDonagh – who claimed three Irish titles, U22, Senior and Elite, in a ten-month period in 2023.

The Paris Boxing Unit has confirmed that more boxers have entered the 2^nd Olympic World Qualifier than its counterpart in Milan, to which 602 boxers were registered. As a result, boxing has been brought forward, to begin on May 24^th. As with the 1^st Olympic World Qualifier in March, boxers will contest to quota; meaning, they will cease to box at a qualification bout. There will be no semi-finals or finals, and no medals bestowed. In 4 of the weights Ireland is contesting in Bangkok, 4 Paris quota places are available. In Men’s 71kg, 5 quota places are available, and there are 3 in Men’s 80kg.

Preparations for this team have included a multi-nation training camp in Assisi, Italy, the 1^st Olympic World Qualifier in Milan, a dual-nations training camp and international with Ukraine in Castlerea, and, on Wednesday, the team departs for a multi-nations preparatory camp in Hua Hin, Thailand.

High Performance Director, Tricia Heberle, says “This is a highly focused team of exceptional athletes. Every boxer, having contested the 1^st Olympic World qualifier, knows the task ahead of them. Their commitment to training and self-improvement has been strongly led by Head Coach Zauri Antia and ably supported by Damian Kennedy, Eoin Pluck, James Doyle and Lynne McEnery. The contribution of Club coaches also needs to be recognized, as does the vital role that coaches from the High Performance Paris Pool Coach programme have played. Without these coaches working cooperatively for the betterment of their athletes, we would not feel as well-prepared heading into such an important Olympic qualifier event.” Tricia adds “We have set a target of 8 qualifications for the Paris Olympic Games and with 6 of these already achieved at the 2023 European Games and 1st Olympic World Qualifier, we are on track.  It is not an easy task but key to achieving this is the world-class daily training environment at the Sport Ireland Institute that we are so fortunate to have.  The IABA High Performance Unit is the envy of many countries and without the continued support of Sport Ireland and the Institute, and use of the newly launched SII Environment Chamber, it would be difficult to prepare the athletes to the level required for international success.”

High Performance Head Coach, Zauri Antia, says “The competition in Bangkok will be tough. Boxers are chasing their last chance to become Paris Olympians, and will battle to the final bell. It is a great honour, and a remarkable achievement, to box for Ireland at this level, in the hope of becoming an Olympian. I congratulate each and every one of the boxers, and their clubs, club coaches and families”

The maximum team size any federation may qualify for an Olympic Games is 13. Six Team Ireland boxers have already qualified: reigning Olympic lightweight champ, Kellie Harrington, and now double Olympians 57kg Michaela Walsh and Aoife O’Rourke. 57kg Jude Gallagher booked his ticket to Paris at the 1^st Olympic World Qualifier. 63.5kg Dean Clancy and heavyweight, Jack Marley, qualified at the 2023 European Games.

A total of 248 boxers will compete in boxing at Paris 2024, with 124 women and 124 men taking part. France, as host nation, have secured six automatic quotas for the Games – three for men and three for women, while there will also be nine Universality Places awarded, with five for women and four for men.

Team

50kg Daina Moorehouse, Enniskerry BC, Co. Wicklow

54kg Jennifer Lehane, DCU Boxing Club, Dublin

66kg Grainne Walsh, St. Mary’s BC, Tallaght, Dublin

51kg Sean Mari, Monkstown BC, Dublin

71kg Aidan Walsh, Holy Family Golden Gloves BC, Belfast

80kg Kelyn Cassidy, Saviour’s Crystal, Waterford.

92+kg Martin McDonagh, Galway Boxing Club.

Boxing in the 2024 National Senior Cadet Championships continues on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday May 4th. Revised programmes, reflecting a number of walkovers, are available. All programmes are subject to change.

Friday, May 3rd – Boxing begins at 6pm.

1. 80kg          Chulainn McDonnell (Whitechurch) V Jude Fitzgerald (Dungarvan)
2. 81+kg        Owen Piegza (Top End) WO 
3. 81+kg        Jim Mongans (Rathkeale) V Jake Fitzgerald (Dungarvan)
4. 81+kg        Johnny McGinley (Gateway) V Martin McDonagh (Ballymun)
5. 81+kg        Conor Whelan (Drimnagh) W/O
6. 81+kg        Miracle Unacukwu (Dealgan) W/O
7. 81+kg        Jordie Cooke (St John Bosco A) W/O

Quarter Finals

1. 60kg          Sionnan McCoy (St John Bosco U)  V  Thea Tobin (De Courcey)
2. 42kg          James Dillon Baker (Glasnevin)   V Patrick Ward (St Michaels Athy)
3. 42kg          Noah Bacon (Saints) V Paul Lavin (Ballinamore)
4. 42kg          Darryl Pyper Dill (Ballyboughal)  V   Tarik Boskaya (East Meath
5. 42kg          Taylor Park (Raphoe)   V Robert Quinn (St Pauls A)
6. 46kg          Thomas Stokes (Drumsna)  V Ryan Moore (Cherry Orchard)
7. 46kg          Mason Moran (Dungarvan)  V  Kurt Kinsella (Monkstown)
8. 46kg          Lee Largey Snodden (Immaculata) V  Tommy Fitzpatrick (Marble City)
9. 46kg          Oliver Plachta (St Francis) V Warren Ormond (Whitechurch)
10. 48kg          Ruby Walsh (East Meath) V  Anita O’Leary Doyle (Sacre Coeur)
11. 50kg          Lauren Crinnion (Fr Horgans) W/O
12. 54kg          Riona Devine (Dukes) W/O
13. 54kg          Sophie McClintock (Evolution)  V Keelyn O’Flynn (St Colmans)
14. 54kg          Anthony Cash (Portlaoise) V Patrick McCarthy (Mayfield)
15. 54kg          Danny McManus (St Patricks U) W/O
16. 54kg          Jason Donoghue (Olympic L) W/O
17. 54kg          Christian Doyle (Doyles)  V Carl Killyleagh (St Pauls)
18. 57kg          Claire Crowley (St Marthas) V Kayleigh Byrne (Gorey)
19. 57kg          Donna McCarthy (Mayfield) W/O
20. 60kg          Martin McDonagh (Rathkeale)  V Rubin Fitzgerald (Corinthians)

Weigh-Ins

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

Saturdays: 8am-9am

Sundays: 8am to 9am and 12pm to 1pm

Boxers are required to bring their passport to their first weigh-in of this competition. The passport will not be retained and no data will be held from their passport.

Waiver/Code of Conduct

Thanks to the 280 parents/guardians who have completed the waiver/code of conduct process. This process is a condition of participation in the championships. This link is shareable with parents/guardians by text message, email, WhatsApp or DM: https://shout.com/s/BfW3pEIE

Watch

The applicable bouts will be live-streamed by StreamSport.ie and JWPlayer.

PPV, by day of boxing or for the entire tournament, is available here

Provisional Programmes – all programmes are subject to change

Saturday, May 4th, beginning at 11am

Saturday, May 4th – second session, beginning directly after the completion of the first session

Friday, May 10th

Boxing in the 2024 National Senior Cadet Championships continues on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday May 4th. All programmes are subject to change.

Friday, May 3rd – Boxing begins at 6pm.

1. 80kg          Chulainn McDonnell (Whitechurch) V Jude Fitzgerald (Dungarvan)
2. 81+kg        Cailym Rawson (Celtic Eagles)  V Owen Piegza (Top End)        
3. 81+kg        Jim Mongans (Rathkeale) V Jake Fitzgerald (Dungarvan)
4. 81+kg        Johnny McGinley (Gateway) V Martin McDonagh (Ballymun)
5. 81+kg        Conor Whelan (Drimnagh) W/O
6. 81+kg        Miracle Unacukwu (Dealgan) V Joe Joyce (Athlone)
7. 81+kg        Jordie Cooke (St John Bosco A)   Christopher Salcedo (Celtic Eagles)

Quarter Finals

1. 60kg          Sionnan McCoy (St John Bosco U)  V  Thea Tobin (De Courcey)
2. 42kg          James Dillon Baker (Glasnevin)   V Patrick Ward (St Michaels Athy)
3. 42kg          Noah Bacon (Saints) V Paul Lavin (Ballinamore)
4. 42kg          Darryl Pyper Dill (Ballyboughal)  V   Tarik Boskaya (East Meath
5. 42kg          Taylor Park (Raphoe)   V Robert Quinn (St Pauls A)
6. 46kg          Thomas Stokes (Drumsna)  V Ryan Moore (Cherry Orchard)
7. 46kg          Mason Moran (Dungarvan)  V  Kurt Kinsella (Monkstown)
8. 46kg          Lee Largey Snodden (Immaculata) V  Tommy Fitzpatrick (Marble City)
9. 46kg          Oliver Plachta (St Francis) V Warren Ormond (Whitechurch)
10. 48kg          Ruby Walsh (East Meath) V  Anita O’Leary Doyle (Sacre Coeur)
11. 50kg          Chloe Cox (Setanta)  V Lauren Crinnion (Fr Horgans)
12. 54kg          Riona Devine (Dukes) W/O
13. 54kg          Sophie McClintock (Evolution)  V Keelyn O’Flynn (St Colmans)
14. 54kg          Anthony Cash (Portlaoise) V Patrick McCarthy (Mayfield)
15. 54kg          Danny McManus (St Patricks U)  V Harvey Cochrane (Castle)
16. 54kg          Jason Donoghue (Olympic L) W/O
17. 54kg          Christian Doyle (Doyles)  V Carl Killyleagh (St Pauls)
18. 57kg          Claire Crowley (St Marthas) V Kayleigh Byrne (Gorey)
19. 57kg          Donna McCarthy (Mayfield) W/O
20. 60kg          Martin McDonagh (Rathkeale)  V Rubin Fitzgerald (Corinthians)

Weigh-Ins

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

Saturdays: 8am-9am

Sundays: 8am to 9am and 12pm to 1pm

Boxers are required to bring their passport to their first weigh-in of this competition. The passport will not be retained and no data will be held from their passport.

Waiver/Code of Conduct

Thanks to the 280 parents/guardians who have completed the waiver/code of conduct process. This process is a condition of participation in the championships. This link is shareable with parents/guardians by text message, email, WhatsApp or DM: https://shout.com/s/BfW3pEIE

Watch

The applicable bouts will be live-streamed by StreamSport.ie and JWPlayer.

PPV, by day of boxing or for the entire tournament, is available here

Provisional Programmes – all programmes are subject to change

Saturday, May 4th, beginning at 11am

Saturday, May 4th – second session, beginning directly after the completion of the first session

Friday, May 10th

Free online Diversity and Inclusion Awareness training is available to all members through the IABA’s 360 Degrees campaign, which champions the message that there is room for everyone in the squared circle. IABA’s 363 clubs are home to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, from across Ireland, Europe and the wider world.

360 Degrees is supported by National Head Coach, Zauri Antia, double Olympic medalist and IABA Belfast Boxing Officer, Paddy Barnes, Tokyo and Paris Olympian, Michaela Walsh, European Games boxer, Daina Moorehouse, boxer Sammy Ilesanmi, High Five Boxing Academy athlete, Darragh Kane, Ulster Participation and Engagement Officer, Louise McKenzie, and IABA Inclusion Officer, Sophie Doolan.

“360 Degrees is an important step for IABA – boxing is already an inclusive and welcoming sport. People from all walks of life, of all abilities and levels of support need, are training, coaching and administering IABA clubs. This programme is aimed at further empowering clubs, and club members through our eLearning module, and will enable clubs to sign up to our 360 Degrees charter, showing their commitment to their club being open to everyone.” IABA Inclusion Officer, Sophie Doolan

IABA High Performance Head Coach, Zauri Antia, who left his hometown of Poti, Georgia, to work in Irish boxing 19 years ago, say “Inclusion and identity are very important. Boxing is open to everyone. Training is open to everyone. Being in a boxing club is open to everyone. Not all of us can be boxing Olympic champions, but all of us can be in the boxing community. I know Irish Boxing, and I know how welcoming it is – Irish boxing welcomed me! 360 Degrees is very important for clubs to show their local communities they welcome everyone”

360 Degrees’ foundation is the IABA’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy, in which IABA recognizes and is enriched by the unique identity, life experiences, abilities, learning styles, knowledge and contribution of every individual within the existing boxing community and seeks to support the growth of our community to be even more inclusive of people from a diverse range of backgrounds at all levels of our sport including participating, coaching, officiating, volunteering, spectating and administering.

IABA Diversity and Inclusion Policy

One of the key principles of the IABA’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy is that IABA will strive to achieve inclusion by creating pathways to participation, through working in partnership with clubs, representative groups, disability services and in consultation with people with disabilities and their families. The IABA commits to continued action to identify and remove physical, cultural, perceived, and other barriers to people in accessing our sport and our community.

It is through this principle, and partnerships with Sporting Pride, Activity Disability Ireland, SARI (Sport Against Racism Ireland) and in consultation with Vision Sport Ireland, that IABA created 360 Degrees. The campaign and programme includes:

The 360 Degrees Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit – This toolkit is designed to support boxing clubs in accessing the resources to allow everyone in their local communities to experience the benefits of boxing and being in a boxing club, no matter their background or ability.

The toolkit also looks at defining what an inclusive club is, engaging with clubs’ local communities, and providing modifications and training and environment for anyone who might wish them, all involving the key principles of openness and awareness.

The 360 Degrees Diversity and Intercultural Awareness eLearning programme – with practical guidance on language, culture and inclusion. All IABA club members can register their interest here. On completion of the modules, every participant receives a certificate of completion, bearing their name and their club’s name:

And for clubs, IABA has created the 360 Degrees Diversity and Inclusion Charter, which commits signatory clubs to supporting the growth of our community to be even more inclusive of people from a diverse range of backgrounds at all levels of our sport. Coaches and leaders of clubs which are signatories to the Charter should participate in the 360 Degrees Diversity and Intercultural Awareness eLearning programme

For more information, contact IABA Communications Officer, Ciara Plunkett – ciara@iaba.ie

And, the campaign has the support of Tokyo Olympic champion and Paris Olympic, Kellie Harrington

IABA is re-platforming the calendar of Safeguarding One workshops for 2024. All adults – coaches, committee members and non-coaching volunteers – in every club who have contact with children are required to have undertaken Safeguarding 1.

Two courses will take place every month, March to November. Acknowledging that club members have a variety of schedules and that no one time will be best for all, a percentage of courses will take place in the evenings, a percentage during weekday lunchtimes and a percentage on Saturdays. Workshops on Safeguarding 2 and Safeguarding 3 will be made available later in 2024.

Book your place here

In keeping with Sport Ireland best practice in Safeguarding training, workshops will be limited to 16 participants. In keeping with norms across the sporting community, the cost for this workshop is E15. Registration for each course will close 2 days before the date, and those who’ve registered will be sent payment information. The participation reservation will expire if payment is not received by 5pm on the scheduled day of the workshop.

Refresher

For all club members who have completed Safeguarding 1 training, but who wish to refresh their knowledge, the online Sport Ireland Safeguarding 1 refresher course is available here

Additional Information: For any additional information, please contact IABA’s National Safeguarding Manager, Stephen Flynn, at stephen@iaba.ie