IABA avoids sanctions after progress made on governance

Sport Ireland satisfied that deadlines met on implementation of a modern rule book

IABA high performance director Bernard Dunne. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
IABA high performance director Bernard Dunne. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) will not incur sanctions from Sport Ireland (SI) following progress made on the issue of governance, which has been a source of concern over the last 12 months.

Following agreement to implement a modern rule book, which has been passed by the IABA board, SI are satisfied that deadlines have been met in that regard.

At the beginning of June SI chief executive, John Treacy, and the then sports minister Patrick O'Donovan warned that IABA funding was at risk following a public row over governance and control in the association and a one-month deadline to make changes was imposed on boxing.

Treacy claimed the Association's high performance director Bernard Dunne had been undermined and that agreements outlined in the Rio Review were not being met.

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A spokesperson for SI said the passing of the rule book was progress and they were satisfied that things were “moving forward” within the organisation.

There is unlikely to be another standoff between Dunne and the Boxing Council when it comes to the World Championship team selection at the end of August. The four-man Irish team qualified on the strength of their performances at the recent European Championships in Ukraine and not through a selection process.

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times