IABA locked in talks to resolve dispute
The IABA have faced intense scrutiny from both Sport Ireland and the public since it emerged at Bernard Dunne’s unveiling as new High Performance Director back in April that the governing body effectively is split into two factions, with two men of the fervent belief that they are rightful chairman: the incumbent Joe Christle, and David O’Brien.
Believing Christle’s tenure to have technically ended last October, five of the ten IABA board members - including the president Pat Ryan - elected O’Brien as chair back in March. This breakaway board maintain their five votes was an adequate majority for both the meeting to be considered valid and for O’Brien’s appointment to be ratified, on the basis that one of the five members not present – Joe McKeever – was ineligible under world governing body rules due to his involvement in the professional sport. The legitimacy of the entire ousting has been rejected by Christle, the barrister who is still recognised as chairman by Sport Ireland, and remains listed with the Companies Registration Office in the position.
