A third phase of required pre-affiliation workshops is open for registration, in preparation for affiliation for the 2025/2026.

135 clubs attended the 23 workshops which took place in April and May. Four more workshops will take place between June 16^th and 19^th, in advance of the affiliation deadline on June 20th. Representatives of county boards and provincial units are also welcome to attend.

The workshops will assist clubs in a number of ways:

• Introducing your club to the upgrade which means your club’s coaching and non-coaching volunteer profiles now include their Garda Vetting/Access NI check information. This means every club can see at a glance when their members’ vetting will expire.
• Signposting your club in reviewing your coach data, to ensure all coaches’ qualifications are present, and accurate
• Signposting your club in ensuring all members, not just competitive boxers, are included in their portals so that they are insured.

There will also be advisories and guides on:

• The Garda Vetting/AccessNI check processes
• The practicalities of managing a Safeguarding concern at a club level – what to do if a concern is raised in your club.

Registration & Schedule

Registration for all workshops is available here: https://shout.com/s/kzZClI91 Your club’s workshop attendee will receive the access link on the day of the workshop they’ve booked in for.

Date	Day	Time
June 16th	Monday	1.15pm
June 16th	Monday	7pm
June 17th	Tuesday	1.15pm
June 19th	Thursday	7pm

FAQ

• How long will the workshop take? Around 30 minutes
• Who in my club should attend? The person who manages your club’s Blocworx portal. If the person who manages your club’s portal cannot attend, the club can nominate another member who commits to sharing all of the workshop information with the club’s Blocworx manager.

Affiliation for the 2025/2026 season is now open. The deadline by which all fees are due through your club’s Blocworx portal is 5pm on June 20th.

Assistance

If your club requires assistance with any aspect of affiliation not outlined below, the following staff members are assisting clubs, by region

Name	Region	Email	Phone
Paddy Barnes	Antrim	patrick.barnes@iaba.ie	07884745612
Stephen Flynn	Connacht	stephen@iaba.ie	086 0748 867
Sally Ann Kinch	Dublin	sally@iaba.ie	085 131 1870
Maeve Clarke	Leinster	maeve@iaba.ie	086 177 1812
Sophie Doolan	Munster	sophie@iaba.ie	086 045 3904
Bridget Scott	Ulster	bridget@iaba.ie	07841470296

Cost

The total cost of affiliation is €735 per club, 100% of which covers your club’s insurance fees as follows:

• Travel insurance
• Group personal accident for approved club events
• Public liability cover
•  

Every year, we endeavour to ensure the best possible deal for our members. As part of membership of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association, successfully affiliated clubs receive the benefit of the association’s comprehensive insurance package. Please note:  

• This cover only applies to activities recognised or authorised by Irish Athletic Boxing Association, (e.g. training of boxers, permitted shows).
• For any activities not controlled, sponsored, recognised or authorised by Irish Athletic Boxing Association, individual clubs are advised to arrange their own Public Liability cover.
• Employers’ liability is not provided for clubs. Clubs must ensure that they arrange this cover should they employ any person.
• Cover does not extend to cover liability arising out of alleged physical abuse, road traffic liability, contractual liability, asbestos, or libel.
• The policy does not provide insurance for premises of individual clubs or their contents.
• All club members, including recreational members, must be registered to IABA on The Blocworx system to be insured under the Associations insurance policies.

Fees due:

Midnight, June 15^th:  Fees must be paid, in full, through your club’s Blocworx portal. In completing affiliation for the 2024/2025 season, clubs must review:

Main contact email:

This is the email address that IABA uses to send correspondence to your club. Please check that:

             I.            This is the email address your club wants to use to receive all of its correspondence

             II.            This is a functioning email addresses, with no typos or errors

             III.            This email address is able to receive emails.

             IV.            If the club is using the personal email address of a club member, please ensure this person consents to the inclusion of their email address as the club’s main contact email

             V.            Please do not use email addresses linked to your employment as your main contact email address. Doing so means that sensitive information which belongs to your club is being stored on the email server used by your employer, and that information is accessible by your employer. It also means that, should you move to a different role with a new employer, your club has lost all access to all of its emails and all of this sensitive information.

              VI.            IABA strongly advises that clubs set up a club email address, so that, in the event that officers change, all club information is stored in the same place, and not spread across several email accounts in the event that officers change within your club.

Secretary’s Address

Please review and up-date your secretary’s home address. This is the address to which any and all postal ballots will be sent.  Please ensure that a relevant Eircode or Postcode is included

Boxers

All boxers, whether they are competitive or not, must be included in your Blocworx portal so that they are insured. If you haven’t already done so, please now review the details of every boxer in your club in your portal, and add any boxers in your club who are not present. Please remove any boxers who are no longer members of your club, including boxers who may have transferred to another club.

Coaches and R&Js

A significant number of club members have qualified as coaches, Judges and Referees since clubs affiliated for the current season. Please make sure that all of your club’s new coaches are included in the coaching section of your affiliation portal, and that any members who have qualified as Judges or Referees are named in the relevant section of your portal, including their qualification.

Officers

If your officers (President/Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Child Protection Officer) have changed, or changed elected roles within your club since your last affiliation, please up-date those records in Blocworx. Note: No one person in a club can hold two elected offices – for example, the Secretary cannot also be the President/Chair, Treasurer or Child Protection Officer. However, an officer can hold an elected role and act as a coach or other form of volunteer, for example.

Affiliation Timeline

Your affiliation goes through several steps before it is approved. Once your club has completed the review and up-date of affiliation information, then:

1. Your county board has a two-week period from the time your club submits its application to review that application; this will not begin until June 20th
2. Your provincial unit has a two-week from the time your county board has completed its review to, in turn, review your application; this won’t begin until July 5th
3. Your application will be reviewed by National Stadium staff
4. If all is in order, affiliation will be approved.

Blocworx

The portal is here

1. Usernames and passwords issued to clubs for this season’s affiliation process have not changed.
2. Here’s a tutorial on how to complete your affiliation :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqeWJhdt51s
3. Here’s a tutorial on how to add members: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TylE3I5N_RU

Important Notice

Membership of the Association is granted under the provisions laid down by the constitution and rules o clubs , county boards and provincial councils who have paid their annual affiliation fee and registered with their county boards and provincial councils.

Clubs should be advised that if their affiliation actions, including all Garda/Access NI matters are not addressed during the applicable period, clubs will not be able to undertake the following:

1. Vote in any AGM or EGM
2. Vote in any Central Council or Provincial Council elections
3. Enter any boxers in any National Championships
4. Submit any club members for participation in Fundamentals: Assistant coach courses
5. Submit any club members for participation in Level One: Club Coach courses
6. Submit any members for participation in IABA Safeguarding workshops
7. Submit any member for participation in IABA iBoxClean anti-doping learning
8. Submit any member for participation in IABA 360 Degrees: Diversity & Inclusion learning
9. Submit any member for any Women in Sport, Diversity & Inclusion or Club Development programme.

The IABA’s Board of Directors held an in-person meeting at the Girdwood Community Hub, Belfast, on Thursday June 5th in advance of the 2025 National Elite Competition finals.

The Board is sharing with members a bulletin, for their information. The Board discussed electoral, HR, and discipline matters.

The Board issued its first bulletin after it’s January meeting, here

IABA is delighted to partner with Ascension in the recruitment of Chief Operations Officer, a key leadership role within the Association.

THE POSITION

We are seeking a strategic, and operationally excellent Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the day-to-day business operations of our organization which has an ambitious growth agenda. The ideal candidate brings a blend of leadership, deep understanding of the sports industry, and operational rigor to help us deliver on our ambitious strategy, to streamline operations, and to enhance our brand and community participation.

As Director of Operations/Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization, managing staff, developing strategic plans, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing efficiency in all operational areas to support the overall mission and goals of the IABA.

Key Responsibilities:

The COO is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will work to align operations with strategy, streamline internal processes, and drive performance and accountability across all parts of the IABIA. .

Strategy

• Work with the CEO and leadership team to shape and implement strategic priorities
• Design and manage the operational strategy, translating vision into action and results.

Operations

• Oversee daily business operations including finance, HR, governance, systems and member development
• Build and optimize systems, workflows, and KPIs to improve efficiency, scalability, and productivity.
• Identify areas for process improvement and lead initiatives to streamline operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement measures to track and improve operational performance.
• Manage internal systems to ensure they are fit for purpose, compliant and secure

Governance

• Ensure compliance with national sporting regulations and manage organizational risk, taking appropriate action when necessary
• Create structures and establish practices that ensure that all parts of the organization operate to the highest governance standards

Finance

• Manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting in coordination with the finance team.
• Devise and implement revenue streams to increase self-funding levels

People

• Design and lead a HR strategy that is aligned to and ensures delivery of the mission, values, and objectives of the organization.
• Establish and embed core HR processes including recruitment, performance management, learning & development, rewards & recognition and employee relations.
• Drive cross-functional alignment and foster a culture of inclusion, accountability and performance
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, clients, and internal teams to ensure operational success.

Experience Requirements

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years’ operational management experience, with 5 years at leadership level.
• Strong understanding of operational principles, practices, and techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills with proven ability to work collaboratively at all levels of an organization.
• Ability to lead out on core aspects of HR, including change management, performance management, DEI , employee relations and engagement.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in project management and process improvement methodologies.
• Deep knowledge of governance, regulations, and best practices in similar environment.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• A leader who values equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels.

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field would be preferred.
• A passion for sport in general and boxing in particular with a knowledge of boxing infrastructures and systems.
• Experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders in Ireland and internationally.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter outlining why you are suitable for this position to our recruitment partner Ascension Executive Recruitment – recruitment@ascension.ie no later than 5pm on Friday the 20^th of June 2025.

20 Elite competition champions have been crowned in Belfast tonight, in a competition taking place in consideration of selection for the World Boxing World Championships, September 4-14, 2025.

Newly-minted title holders hail from Antrim, Donegal, Dublin,  Galway, Laois, Offaly Roscommon, Sligo, Waterford, Westmeath and Wicklow.

The Best Male Boxer award went to 65kg Dean Clancy of Sean McDermott BC, Leitrim. The Best Female Boxer award went to 51kg Daina Moorehouse of Enniskerry BC, Co. Wicklow and the Best Technical Boxer award went to 60kg Adam Hession of Monivea BC, Galway.

The National Elite Competition title of the night went to 48kg Tiffany Spencer (Jobstown, BC Dublin) in an all-Dublin final against Ciara Walsh (Smithfield BC, Dublin). After a superb, high tempo contest, Louis Rooney (Star BC, Belfast) has won the Elite Competition 50kg title – He got the 4-0 decision over Scott Thompson (Spartans , Antrim) in a contest that brough the crowd to their feet.

Paris Olympian Daina Moorehouse (Enniskerry BC, Wicklow), won the 51kg title, after a tough, technical battle against Caitlin Fryers (Immaculata BC, Belfast) The bout finished 5-0 to Moorehouse. Fellow Paris Olympian, 54kg Jennifer Lehane, saw-off 2024 European U23 Championship bronze medalist Robyn Kelly (Ballynacargy BC) to claim her title. Double Olympian, Michaela Walsh, was a decisive and dominating in her UD win over Kelsey Leonard (Unit 3 BC, Naas).

The 55kg National Elite Competition title is en route to Westmeath this evening. Patsy Joyce (Olympic, Mullingar) was the 5-0 winner over Ben Molloy (Edenmore BC, Dublin) while the lightweight National Elite competition champ is Tramore BC’s Zara Breslin, the 5-0 victor over Isabella Hughes (St Marys D). In Men’s 60kg, Adam Hession of Monivea BC, Galway faced a war against Jamie Graham (Clonard BC, Belfast), to come away with the 5-0 decision and the Elite title.

Paris Olympian, Grainne Walsh (St. Mary’s, Dublin), is the champion at 65kg; Kaci Rock (Holy Trinity BC, Belfast), held Walsh to a split decision, 4-1. Another Paris Olympian, Dean Clancy, is the Men’s 65kg champ. The Sean McDermot BC boxer was the 5-0 winner over Jason Nevin (Olympic BC Mullingar), in a testy, high tempo bout.

While 2025 World silver medalist, Lisa O’Rourke, is the Elite n 70kg champ. The Castlerea BC woman faced strong opposition in the form of Evelyn Igharo (Clann Naofa, Louth), but emerged the 5-0 winner. The 2025 National Elite Competition 70kg title is going to Donegal. Matthew McCole (Illies GG) was the 4-1 winner this evening over Eugene McKeever (Holy Family Drogheda). The 75kg National Elite Competition champ is: Gavin Rafferty (Dublin Docklands), the 5-0 winner over Tadhg O’Donnell (Four Kings, Wicklow).

Kelyn Cassidy has won the Elite 80kg title. The Deise boxer, of Saviours Crystal BC, was the 5-0 winner over Ryan Collins Murphy (St Monica’s, Co. Down). The 85kg title goes to the midlands, and St. Brigid’s Edenderry BC’s Brian Kennedy. He beat Jason Clancy (Sean McDermott BC, Leitrim), 4-1.

Paris Olympian, Jack Marley (Monkstown D) beat Shane Cunningham (Elite Cork), 5-0 for the 90kg title

Four- time continental champion and double Olympian, Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea BC), is a walk-over champion, as are 80kg Mikayla Kelly of Sacred Heart BC Tolerton and 80+kg Cliona D’Arcy (Tobar Pheadair BC)

The creation tournament was a collaboration between Central Council and the High Performance Unit, and the decision to stage it was ratified by a vote of Central Council members in April.

The tournament, at the Girdwood Community Hub, Belfast, was jointly hosted by Ulster Provincial Council and Antrim County Board, with the backing of Belfast City Council. Central Council has expressed its gratitute to the competition’s hosts and partners: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ulster Provincial Council, Antrim County Board and Belfast City Council for the invaluable support.”

Results

48kg   Tiffany Spencer (Jobstown) beat Ciara Ann Walsh (Smithfield), 5-0

50kg   Louis Rooney (Star) beat Scott Thompson (Spartans A), 4-0

51kg   Daina Moorehouse (Enniskerry) beat Caitlin Fryers (Immaculata), 5-0

54kg  Jennifer Lehane (DCU Athletic ) beat Robyn Kelly (Ballynacargy), 5-0

55kg   Patsy Joyce (Olympic L) beat Ben Molloy (Edenmore), 5-0

57kg   Michaela Walsh (Holy Family GG) beat Kelsey Leonard (Unit 3), 5-0

60kg  Zara Breslin (Tramore) beat Isabella Hughes (St Marys D), 5-0

60kg   Adam Hession (Monivea) beat Jamie Graham (Clonard Belfast), 5-0

65kg   Grainne Walsh (St Marys D) beat Kaci Rock (Holy Trinity), 4-1

65kg   Dean Clancy (Sean McDermott) beat Jason Nevin (Olympic Mullingar), 5-0

70kg   Lisa O’Rourke (Castlerea) beat Evelyn Igharo (Clann Naofa), 5-0

70kg   Matthew McCole (Illie GG) beat Eugene McKeever (Holy Family Drogheda), 4-1

75kg   Aoife O’Rourke (Castlerea) W/O

75kg   Gavin Rafferty (Dublin Docklands) beat Tadhg O’Donnell (Four Kings), 5-0

80kg   Mikayla Kelly (Sacred Heart L) W/O

80kg   Kelyn Cassidy (Saviours Crystal) beat Ryan Collins Murphy (St Monicas ), 5-0

80+kg Cliona D’Arcy (Tobar Pheadair) W/O

85kg   Brian Kennedy (St Brigids Edenderry) beat Jason Clancy (Sean McDermott), 4-1

90kg   Jack Marley (Monkstown D) beat Shane Cunningham (Elite Cork), 5-0

90+kg Martin C McDonagh (Galway) beat Adam Olaniyan (Jobstown), AB3