Dear Members, Clubs and Volunteers,
As we approach Christmas, I want to take a moment to thank every one of you across the boxing community for the extraordinary impact you have had throughout 2025.
This has been a year of real progress for Irish boxing. Across the Association, clubs, volunteers, and our staff have worked tirelessly to grow our sport and, just as importantly, to introduce thousands of young people to boxing for the first time.
Boxing positively impacts communities like no other sport. We build character. We teach discipline, confidence, respect and resilience – values that last a lifetime. We should be immensely proud of the role we play in our towns, villages and cities every day. My main aim for 2026 is to promote that purpose far and wide, so everyone understands and appreciates the role boxing plays for society.
We have also had much to celebrate in the ring. Aoife O’Rourke’s achievement as a world champion stands as a landmark moment for Irish boxing, while Patsy Joyce’s world medal, the first men’s world medal since 2017, was a powerful reminder of the quality and determination that exists within our system. At underage level, an incredible haul of 28 medals across U15, U17 and U19 competitions speaks volumes about the outstanding work being done in clubs. Those results are built on countless hours of coaching, mentoring and volunteering, and they belong to you.
Looking ahead to 2026, we do so with renewed optimism and ambition. Supporting clubs will be a central focus in the year ahead, with resources dedicated to helping clubs prepare for and avail of the new round of Sports Capital Funding. As well as a new membership system that will help our clubs and their members
On a personal note, I want to sincerely thank members and clubs for the warmth and kindness you have shown me since I joined the IABA in July. I’m only five months into the role but already I feel a close connection with our community. The welcome I have received has reinforced just how special this organisation is and how strong our sense of community remains.
I hope this Christmas brings you, your clubs and families peace, rest and time together, and that the New Year brings health, happiness and continued success both in and out of the ring.
Thank you for everything you do for Irish boxing. We can look forward to 2026 with confidence and pride in who we are and what we stand for.
Warm regards,
Gary Stewart, CEO.
