"Ireland can become the number one boxing nation in the world"

NEWLY elected Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) President Pat Ryan believes that Ireland should aim for the top of the tree in world boxing.

The ambitious new President was elected at the IABA Annual Convention in Ennis, Clare yesterday. Joe Hernon was elected Vice President.

The duo replace Tommy Murphy and Sean Canavan, who are stepping down after years of loyal service in the positions.

Ryan, coach to current European Games champion Michael O’Reilly and many top prospects at the Portlaoise club, received 156 votes.

The other two presidential candidates, ex IABA President Dominic O’Rourke and Joe Hennigan, respectively received 88 and 61 votes from Ireland’s Provincial Councils, County Board and Clubs.

“I would like to thank all the people who supported me in my endeavours to become President of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, said Ryan.

“It’s an honour and a privilege for me. We have to further develop as a sport. It is no longer merely acceptable at this point in time to just be the number one Olympic sport in Ireland.

“I think we have the initiative now to become the number one boxing nation in the world. I believe this is achievable.”

Meanwhile, the new IABA President and Vice President and Irish boxing will be keeping close eye on the draw for the World Championships and Olympic qualifiers in Doha, Qatar today.

Ireland’s seven-strong squad arrived in Doha on Friday last. Four of the team, captain, Michael Conlan, Brendan Irvine, Dean Walsh and Michael O’Reilly could be in action on Day 1 of the tournament tomorrow.

The Irish squad visited the competition venue, which is bedecked with a giant promotional poster featuring Conlan, on Saturday.

Conlan, Irvine, Walsh, Reilly, Joe Ward, Adam Nolan and Sean McComb will represent Ireland. Forty gold, silver and bronze medals and 23 Olympic places are up for grabs in Doha.