THE exclusion of the celebrated Cuban coach Nicholas Cruz from the process of naming Ireland's boxing management for the Atlanta Olympics on Saturday was surprising. Two home based coaches were named to travel with the three boxers who qualified, by right, at the recent European championships in Denmark.
Ulster's Michael Hawkins and Connacht's Gus Farrell will be in charge this time, subject to ultimate approval by the OCI. It is understood that, since Cruz's arrival here from Cuba a few weeks ago, his involvement has apparently not met with the approval of outside factions, not least the Cuban Federation. The position seems to be beyond the control of the Irish body which, needless to say, would wish to have the Cuban's great experience on board this time as was the case in Barcelona.
Flyweight Damaen Kelly of the Holy Trinity Club, light welter Francis Barrett of Olympic Galway and middle Brian Magee of Holy Trinity had their selections duly ratified at Saturday's meeting of the IABA standing committee.
Ulster president Pat McCrory told the meeting that there is still the possibility of two additional Irish boxers being included in the Atlanta draws due to the likelihood of Oceania and Africa not claiming their full quotas. Cathal O'Grady, the Meath heavyweight, boxing out of the St Saviour's club in Dublin, and Damien McKenna, the Holy Family Drogheda bantam, who won contests in the European championships, are on standby.
Meanwhile, Tim Kelleher of Cork will take charge of the team to box Italy in Caserta on April 27th, while Joe Heneghan of Connacht will be in charge of the Celtic Games team to compete in Canada next month.
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