Board walks

The executive of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) is to be replaced almost en bloc at the association's annual convention on October 1st.

Prominent officers of the association who have played leading roles in the development of the sport over past decades and key figures behind the redevelopment of the National Stadium have given notice of their intentions to quit their posts. Delegates to Saturday's meeting of the IABA's central council heard that top ranking officials from president Brendain O'Conaire downwards will not be seeking re-election at this year's convention. Ironically, some officers had indicated that they would be allowing their names to go forward for officer nominations, but changed their minds when O'Conaire indicated that he would not be remaining in office for another term.

Vice-president Joe Kirwan confirmed his resignation at Saturday's meeting, secretary Sean Crowley and treasurer Sean Horkin are also not interested in carrying on in their posts. Registrar Tommy Murphy is the only member of the hard working and successful executive to indicate that he will accept a nomination.

Cormac O'Conaire, the Irish light welter champion and son of the association president, has been named as part of a seven strong team to box in the World Junior Championships in Budapest in November. Martin Lindsay (Immaculata), Jamie Dowling (Paulstown), Ger McAuley (Star), Mick Mullaney (Claremorris), Ken Egan (Neilstown) and Coleman Barrett of Olympic have also been named. They will be joined by Tom Lee (Oughterard), Pat Hyland (Golden Cobra), Mick Ryan (St Ibar's) and Brian Ferry (Dunfanaghy) to compete in the Junior European Cup in Hungary from August 17th-20th.