A team of 18 athletes has been selected to contest the 2024 European U22 Championships, taking place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from October 8th to 21st.

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.

As part of the Paris Wave programme, supporting boxers, coaches and clubs in the post-Paris 2024 Olympic Games period, High Performance Coaches will be holding seminars throughout the Association in September and October, including in Ulster. These coaching seminars will include three key elements:

1. Road to Paris 2024 and Lessons Learned: presentation and Q&A

2. Practical coaching session: led by Head Coach Zauri Antia and the HPU coaches
3. Session/weekly planning workshop: fundamentals of designing a daily programme, building a training week and competition campaign.

To date, one High Performance seminar has taken place this year in Antrim, one in Munster, two in Castlerea – one of which took place during the Ireland/Ukraine training camp, and one in Dublin. A date is awaited for a seminar in Leinster. All dates and locations have been nominated in collaboration with the respective province or unit.

Paris Wave: High Performance Coaching Seminars are open to adult members of clubs successfully affiliated for the 2024/2025 season. Attendees must be over 18 , and registered as members in their club’s Blocworx portal.

Derry: Oakleaf Boxing Club, Rathmor Business Park, 52 Brickfield Court, Derry BT48 9PW. Saturday, October 5^th, 12pm to 3pm. Register here https://shout.com/s/RZsudCD8

Paris Wave also includes:

Paris Wave – NextGen  This programme will support clubs, financially, in responding to growth in member numbers. IABA will provide support for the provision of 4 training sessions for new members over a 6-week period, beginning in September. All clubs offer training to multiple age groups and clubs are welcome to make Paris Wave – NextGen applications for several training groups. IABA will also be supplying programme-specific materials to each participating club.

Paris Wave – Women in Sport – WIS Conference, August 31^st, encompassing workshops on Coaching Teenage Girls, S&C for Female Combat Athletes, and Safeguarding Essentials – a practical session on managing and reporting concerns. This also marks the beginning of a 6-month long arc of WIS learning at in-person events in every province. Paris Wave – Women in Sport will culminate with a conference on International Women’s Day, 2025.

Paris Wave – Coaching: IABA is making 8 additional coaching courses available in this pillar. Four Fundamentals: Assistant Coach courses will enable 80 people to begin their coaching careers in Q4, and Four Level One: Club Coach courses will enable 80 coaches to take the next step in their coaching journeys.

Paris Wave – Safeguarding, augments IABA’s existing 2024 Safeguarding learning programme. IABA is providing 20 Safeguarding 1 workshops throughout 2024, and under Paris Wave, has added Safeguarding 2 learning in Q4. These are online events, and open to all Ulster clubs and their members.

Entry lists for the 2024 National Intermediate Championships are being published in advanced of the competition’s draw.

Any club requiring amendment must contact Sally Ann Kinch sally@iaba.ie by 10am on Tuesday, October 2nd.

National Registrar, Philip Rooney has advised that:

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

Women’s Entry List

Men’s Entry List

Competition Arrangements

Venue:                                    National Stadium, Dublin.

No International competition kits to be worn by any boxers; boxers may wear club kit, only.

Dates:                                     October 4th to 6^th, 11^th to 13^th.

Entries:                                  An entry fee of €30 applies. (Non-Refundable).  Entrants must be 19 years of age. Any boxer who has previously won a National Intermediate (Senior) title is not eligible to compete. Any boxer who has boxed in the National Elites is not eligible to compete in the Intermediates.

Entry Form:                          Online entry, via the Blocworx portal, is open until 5pm sharp, on Friday, September 27th. Entries will not be accepted without the payment of entry fees. Only boxers for whom entries have been completed and entry fees have been received will be allowed box. No late entries will be accepted. Affiliated clubs wishing to enter boxers into the championships must log-in to their Blocworx portal, using their unique username and password. Clubs who have not retained their username or password following the completion of their affiliation for the 2024/2025 season can contact IABA staff, Sally Ann Kinch sally@iaba.ie, James Geraghty, James@iaba.ie or Ciara Plunkett, ciara@iaba.ie

Draws:                                    Tuesday, 02 October, 1pm in the National Stadium. The draw is being conducted on a pre-entry basis only.

Attention is drawn to the following IABA rule –

(A club shall not include in its list of members the name of any person who is a member of any other club.)

Accordingly, any club making an entry to the National Intermediate championships affirms that the entrant is not a member of any other club, in any jurisdiction.

Weigh-in and Medical: Boxers will weigh in each day they box. Individual weigh-in times may be given to participants, but this will be decided and made known prior to the event. Boxing Record books to be presented by the boxer at their initial weigh-in.

Weigh-in dates: National Stadium8.00am – 9.00am 12pm – 1pm 

Boxing: Friday, October 04^th Other times will be contingent on entries and shall be announced after the draw.

Duration: Duration of rounds: Men & Women 3×3 Minutes

Weights:        

Men: 46kg-48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63.5kg, 67kg, 71kg, 75kg, 80kg, 86kg,92kg,92+kg

Women: 45kg-48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 81kg, 81+kg

Age Requirements:  Boxers born between 1984 to 2005 inclusive. Age 19 to 40 for both male and  female.

It is a condition of entry that all competitors and officials have a signed Waiver/Members Acknowledgement Form and adhere to any agreement made with the Association sponsors.

Anti-Doping may be carried out at any stage of the championships and all boxers must advise the doctor of any medication they are taking or have taken in the preceding 4 weeks. It is imperative that all boxers adhere to the Anti-Doping Rules and Regulations. For any queries regarding this matter, boxers/coaches should contact Mr Larry Morrison, IBA Anti-Doping Officer on 086-0292476.

Non Pregnancy Declaration forms must be signed.

Attire: Boxers shall have one red and one blue vest. In accordance the IBA Technical and Competition Rule 48.7, boxers may wear form-fitting arm and/or leg coverings. Head guards are put on prior to entering the ring. Hair must be tied back, and swimming hats or hairnets should be worn under the headgear for boxers with long hair. No red, orange or pink gum shields are allowed A Boxer can have a beard and moustache, but either must not cover the neck and must not be longer that 10cms, in accordance with the IBA Technical and Competition Rule 4.2.5.2.2

Coaches: They must wear track suitsandrunners at all sessions and endeavour to set a high standard of hygiene in the corners. No shorts, caps or hats are allowed. Only qualified coaches permitted in corners.

Sportsmanship: All decisions must be accepted in a sporting manner. Any complaints must be addressed to the Chief Official, Mr. Philip Rooney. Please show respect to all Ringside Officials. A document stipulating requirement in relation to conduct and the use of social media must be signed by all boxers and coaches at their initial weigh-in.

Entries to the 2024 National Intermediate Championships close today. Clubs can submit entries via their Blocworx portal: https://boxing.blocworx.com/auth

National Registrar, Philip Rooney has advised that:

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

Competition Arrangements:

Venue:                                    National Stadium, Dublin.

No International competition kits to be worn by any boxers; boxers may wear club kit, only.

Dates:                                     October 4th to 6^th, 11^th to 13^th.

Entries:                                  An entry fee of €30 applies. (Non-Refundable).  Entrants must be 19 years of age. Any boxer who has previously won a National Intermediate (Senior) title is not eligible to compete. Any boxer who has boxed in the National Elites is not eligible to compete in the Intermediates.

Entry Form:                          Online entry, via the Blocworx portal, is open until 5pm sharp, on Friday, September 27th. Entries will not be accepted without the payment of entry fees. Only boxers for whom entries have been completed and entry fees have been received will be allowed box. No late entries will be accepted. Affiliated clubs wishing to enter boxers into the championships must log-in to their Blocworx portal, using their unique username and password. Clubs who have not retained their username or password following the completion of their affiliation for the 2024/2025 season can contact IABA staff, Sally Ann Kinch sally@iaba.ie, James Geraghty, James@iaba.ie or Ciara Plunkett, ciara@iaba.ie

Draws:                                    Tuesday, 02 October, 1pm in the National Stadium. The draw is being conducted on a pre-entry basis only.

Attention is drawn to the following IABA rule –

(A club shall not include in its list of members the name of any person who is a member of any other club.)

Accordingly, any club making an entry to the National Intermediate championships affirms that the entrant is not a member of any other club, in any jurisdiction.

Weigh-in and Medical: Boxers will weigh in each day they box. Individual weigh-in times may be given to participants, but this will be decided and made known prior to the event. Boxing Record books to be presented by the boxer at their initial weigh-in.

Weigh-in dates: National Stadium8.00am – 9.00am 12pm – 1pm 

Boxing: Friday, October 04^th Other times will be contingent on entries and shall be announced after the draw.

Duration: Duration of rounds: Men & Women 3×3 Minutes

Weights:        

Men: 46kg-48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63.5kg, 67kg, 71kg, 75kg, 80kg, 86kg,92kg,92+kg

Women: 45kg-48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 81kg, 81+kg

Age Requirements:  Boxers born between 1984 to 2005 inclusive. Age 19 to 40 for both male and  female.

It is a condition of entry that all competitors and officials have a signed Waiver/Members Acknowledgement Form and adhere to any agreement made with the Association sponsors.

Anti-Doping may be carried out at any stage of the championships and all boxers must advise the doctor of any medication they are taking or have taken in the preceding 4 weeks. It is imperative that all boxers adhere to the Anti-Doping Rules and Regulations. For any queries regarding this matter, boxers/coaches should contact Mr Larry Morrison, IBA Anti-Doping Officer on 086-0292476.

Non Pregnancy Declaration forms must be signed.

Attire: Boxers shall have one red and one blue vest. In accordance the IBA Technical and Competition Rule 48.7, boxers may wear form-fitting arm and/or leg coverings. Head guards are put on prior to entering the ring. Hair must be tied back, and swimming hats or hairnets should be worn under the headgear for boxers with long hair. No red, orange or pink gum shields are allowed A Boxer can have a beard and moustache, but either must not cover the neck and must not be longer that 10cms, in accordance with the IBA Technical and Competition Rule 4.2.5.2.2

Coaches: They must wear track suitsandrunners at all sessions and endeavour to set a high standard of hygiene in the corners. No shorts, caps or hats are allowed. Only qualified coaches permitted in corners.

Sportsmanship: All decisions must be accepted in a sporting manner. Any complaints must be addressed to the Chief Official, Mr. Philip Rooney. Please show respect to all Ringside Officials. A document stipulating requirement in relation to conduct and the use of social media must be signed by all boxers and coaches at their initial weigh-in.

Registration is now open for IABA’s EGM, scheduled for 11am on Saturday, October 12^th at the National Stadium.

This EGM arises as 44 clubs, exercising their rights under Article 4.9 of the IABA Constitution, have requested the 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.’

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.

9. 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.

Ordinary Resolution

The IABA Board of Directors, at its meeting on September 20^th, adopted the IABA Rulebook. This rulebook has been the subject of two formal phases of consultation with clubs and members, in which proposals, amendment and commentary was invited:

• Phase One: 21^st November and 21^st December 2023.
• Phase Two: June 21^st to July 19^th

This consultation was through rules@iaba.ie, and the address has remained open from November 21^st, to date, to capture any additional inputs by clubs and members.

Members will be invited to vote on an Ordinary Resolution to approve this rulebook as part of the EGM. “Does your club approve the adoption of the IABA rulebook, as adopted by the Board of Directors on 20 September 2024”

Registration

Registration for the EGM is now open, and will close at 12pm on October 10^th. Register here: https://shout.com/s/2GXQZj9R

Eligibility – All clubs successfully affiliated for 2024/2025 season, as at 24 September 2024

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.  

EGM Request Clubs

Monkstown BC, Dublin

Sacred Heart BC Dublin

Dealgan ABC

Bunclody BC

Elite Mullingar BC

Jobstown BC

Ballyhaunis BC

Galway BC

Nutgrove BC

Ballinacor BC

Golden Gloves BC Cork

Carrickmacross BC

Oakleaf BC Derry

Corinthians BC

Dublin Docklands BC

Ballymun BC

St. Pauls BC Waterford

St. Pats BC Newry

Monivea BC

Darndale BC

Portavogie BC

Arklow BC

Golden Cobra BC Dublin

Palmerstown BC

Erne BC

Derryveagh BC

Bracken BC

Mayfield BC Cork

Greenhills BC

Ardagh Crossmolina BC

Neilstown BC

Bay City BC

Riverstown BC Cork

St. Colmans BC Cork

Santry BC

Arbour Hill BC

Portmarnock BC

Smithfield BC

Swords BC

Camac BC

St. John Bosco Newry BC

Bantry BC

Virginia BC Cavan

Mulhuddart BA