The Olympic rings represent the five continents and all nations united by Olympism. Today, they make up of the most famous and recognised symbols in the world. Did you know that it was a mere 20 years after the re-establishment of the Olympic Games that Pierre de Coubertin presented his emblem to the 1914 Olympic Congress in Paris? While he is remembered for being an educator, historian and founder of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), he was also a talented designer. Read on for the full history of the Olympic rings.
The Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, which is Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger”, was proposed to Pierre de Coubertin by Dominican priest Henri Didon. While this was used at the founding Congress of the IOC calling for the re-establishment of the Games on 23 June 1894, the famous symbol of five interlaced rings appeared only two decades later. Previously, Pierre de Coubertin had designed an emblem depicting an open crown made up of olive branches, reminiscent of the prizes awarded to athletes during the ancient Games. This symbol appeared on the official letterhead.
These new government restrictions limit the number of people who can attend outdoor and indoor events. From a practical perspective, this means boxing clubs MUST now limit the number persons attending indoor training/club event sessions to 6 and for outdoor training/club event sessions the number of persons who can attend is now limited to 15.
Please be advised this includes coaches and/or support staff. For example, 1 Covid-19 Officer + 1 Coach +4 Boxers or 1 Covid-19 Officer (who is a coach) +5 boxers.
These restrictions will remain in place until at least 13th September 2020. All IABA clubs in the 32 counties MUST adhere to these new restrictions.
This pandemic continues to have a detrimental effect on all areas of society with sport being no exception. The virus is on the increase in Ireland and in recent weeks there have been multiple outbreaks throughout the island. As such, everyone must play their part to help to suppress the virus to prevent stricter restrictions being re-imposed in the coming weeks.
The IABA would like to thank all its members and volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout this unprecedented period. We must redouble our effort now and follow the expert advice – regular hand-washing, keeping a 2 meters distance between ourselves and others, good cough and sneeze etiquette, wearing face coverings on public transport and in shops and other indoor outlets, limiting contacts with others and self-isolating immediately and ringing your GP if you have any symptoms.
Irish Amatuer star Dean Walsh to turn professional
Dean Walsh, the 26-year-old Wexford Town welterweight, has finally decided to leave the amateur code following a hugely decorated career and will start targeting professional belts in the near future. Walsh has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Boxing Ireland Promotions, Ireland’s biggest and most active promotional outfit, and there are high hopes for the big punching Model County fighter.
Boxing since the age of seven with the St Ibar’s boxing club, Walsh won four Irish Elite Senior titles. Internationally he claimed medals at prestigious multi-nations tournaments such as the Feliks Stamm Cup in Poland and the Montana Belts in France. However, his crowning achievement came in 2015 when he won European bronze in Samokov, Bulgaria, becoming the first and only Wexford boxer to win a medal at a major championships.
Nephew to former Irish head coach Billy Walsh, he had hoped to compete at the Olympics like his uncle but was denied at the qualifying stage for the Rio Games in 2016. Here he was controversially beaten on a split-decision by Azerbaijan’s Lorenzo Sotomayor – who went on to win silver at the Games.
Off the amateur radar somewhat over the past 18 months, Walsh now returns ready to rip things up in the pros having been quietly training, building, and making sure he made the correct decision.
“I just think now is the right time,” he explains. “I was debating it for a couple of years. I was offered a few times over in England, there were offers there for me, but the only reason I didn’t take it because I want to build my fan base, get my own crowd behind me.”
The man from Wolfe Tone Villas is confident that it’s the start of a special journey for him and his home county. Walsh describes how “the Wexford crowd really get behind you – you see the boys up in All-Irelands, the hurling, even the soccer, the Wexford fans are always there. Wexford were there for all my All-Ireland finals. I have a good fan base and there’s a lot of family friends too. It’s not just Wexford Town, it’s all around the county, Enniscorthy, Gorey, Ferns, they all know what I can do. I’m a very proud Wexford man and my goal is to bring titles back to the county.”
The IABA wish Walsh the best of luck in the professional ranks.
Irish head coach Zaur Antia and Michael Conlan – and gold – at 2015 World Championships in Qatar
Ireland’s former Elite standouts experienced mixed fortunes in England on Friday and Saturday night.
Eric Donovan (12-1-0) was ahead on points against Zelfa Barrett in Brentwood but was stopped in the 8th round of a thrilling contest.
Two-time Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (14-0-0) and Carl Frampton (28-2-0) won at London’s York Hall 24 hours later, both by way of TKO.
Conlan beat experienced French southpaw Sofiane Takoucht to move to within one fight of the world title shot and Frampton impressed against Darren Traynor.
Former Irish Elite finalist Paddy Donovan, who had Andy Lee working his corner, improved to 4 and 0 after beating Des Newton at York Hall,
“It was probably the greatest field ever assembled,” he added. “And it’s still a lovely race to watch. It was so exciting. In fact, the guy who was meant to be ringing the bell for the last lap was so excited watching it, he forgot to do it. The field was packed, and the race began on that last lap.”
Ireland’s boxers also excelled at Melbourne 1956 with Fred Tiedt winning silver amd John Caldwell, Freddie Gilroy and Anthony Byrne taking home bronze.
That haul helped Ireland finish in 7th in the boxing medals table.
Ireland finished in 21st position in the final medal rankings in Melbourne, with one gold medal and five medals overall. It was the first time Ireland would win medals at two different sports, and the five was a record total for an Irish team at the Olympic Games. This record stood until the 2012 London Olympics, where Ireland won six medals.
Four of those London 2012 medals were secured the boxing event by Katie Taylor (gold), John Joe Nevin (silver), Michael Conlan (bronze) and Paddy Barnes (bronze).
