Good times ahead for the IABA

The Irish Amateur Boxing Association is gradually nosing its way into calmer waters after years of bitter wrangling. After having had Felix Jones at the helm for more than 20 years, attempts to unseat him finally paid off two years ago but those who looked forward to a quiet reign for Nicky White were soon to be disillusioned.

Oddly enough it wasn't any of the bones of contention which bedevilled the reign of Felix Jones which brought about Nicky White's downfall. It wasn't even a matter effecting Irish boxing. The problem arose when White attended a break-away boxing promotion in Wales which brought about a successful vote of no confidence in him.

It was a great relief to many in the IABA when Breandan O Conaire took over the reigns. For a time it seemed that Nicky White might challenge O Conaire's position but once that fear evaporated things got back on to an even keel.

One of the most significant developments within the last couple of years, originally set in train by Felix Jones, is the development of the old gun room which had originally been attached to Griffith Barracks, as a gymnasium. Although not yet complete, it promises a wonderful contribution to sports facilities in Dublin and indeed, for the entire country.

This writer was given a sneak preview of the facility during the week and came away vastly impressed. The old semi-derelict building which was acquired from the Government by the IABA is in the process of being turned into a modern, state-of-the-art facility which will be used for the most part by the boxing fraternity but which will also be made available on a rental basis to the general public and other sporting bodies.

Boxing will take priority and will provide full facilities for training, coaching, living accommodation as well as dressing room facilities for both male and female boxers.

As many as 20 young boxers can be accommodated on the premises sleeping in bunk beds with showers, a sauna and some basic cooking facilities available. Previously, boxers preparing for big tournaments had to be quartered in bed and breakfast facilities in such places as Drogheda, Kerry and even East Germany on one occasion.

Needless to say this was costing the IABA a lot of money and eating into Government and Olympic Council grants to such an extent that the IABA was constantly in the red.

Had it not been for weekly bingo sessions and occasional pop concerts and on one occasion a political party's Ard Fheis, the IABA could have gone down the tubes years ago.

That is not to say that the association is without financial headaches at the moment but, if the new gymnasium complex is anything to go by it has turned the corner and the future looks bright.

Two emotive problems which caused fierce arguments down the years were the question of the trustees of the National Stadium - a body which was secretive and dismissive of criticism. The other matter, of more recent origin, was the Ringside Club.

The problem about the trustees has still to be sorted out to everybody's satisfaction but there are signs that something will be done. Much legal wrangling took place as the trustees who were in place guarded their powers jealously. Some relaxation of those powers now seems to have been agreed and, although, still unresolved to everybody's satisfaction it looks now as though a new trustees deed will be drawn up for ratification.

The Ringside Club, also a brain child of Felix Jones incidentally, seemed to have been pervaded by the secrecy of the trustees. At an annual general meeting of the IABA a couple of years ago delegates were told that they were not entitled to a financial report on the affairs of the club unless they were members.

This was greeted with astonishment by people who were paid-up members, who said that they didn't have access to the information either.

While nobody ever suggested in any serious way that there were financial irregularities in the way the association was being run, ordinary grassroots delegates responded angrily to the fact that they did not have access to information to which they felt entitled.

It was indeed very frustrating for many people around the country who were constantly out of pocket as they kept this or that club alive, coached boxers, drove them to tournaments - and often fed them as well - without being told where the proceeds of the bingo sessions and income from the licensed Ringside Club were going.

Much of that secrecy has now been dispelled under the presidency of O Conaire and it is only fair to say also that, in his short term of office, White also contributed to the new transparency and accountability.

One can only hope now that amateur boxing in Ireland is waking up to a new dawn. In Nicholas Hernandez Cruz the IABA have a ready-made, experienced and qualified coach whose experience goes well beyond boxing. Members of the public or groups thereof who are just interested in keeping fit could well benefit from a couple of sessions in the new gymnasium with him, while the IABA would benefit from the cash taken at the door.

As the IABA sets out on what will be a very busy year on the international front it has every right to feel comfortable about the future.