TWEETS: Saddened reaction as Billy Walsh leaves Ireland for the US

The forlorn hopes that the Billy Walsh situation could be resolved have now been dashed entirely, as he flew out from Dublin this morning to his new role with Boxing USA.

The Wexford man is due to attend the Olympic Trials taking place this month ahead of taking up an offer to take charge of the Women's Boxing squad for Rio2016.

He has been the centre of a storm of controversy since resigning his position as head of Irish boxing’s High Performance Unit on Monday.

Walsh, who led Ireland through a period of unprecedented international success in the sport, said the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) had "not made it possible for me to continue on in the role".

The IABA have yet to explain why they have refused to bow to pressure to give Walsh the terms he was looking for.

Pressure had been put on the association to resolve the situation, with Chairman of Sport Ireland Kieran Mulvey describing the situation as ‘unconscionable’, and The Irish Sports Council threatening to review their funding.

But Walsh appears to have closed the door on the matter by leaving the country for a new role.

And he's gone ... Billy Walsh leaving Dublin airport for the US #boxing @sportsdes pic.twitter.com/iNEItu5aEH

— Morning Ireland (@morningireland) October 22, 2015

Why do the Irish still hold onto the hope that a clusterf*ck can be fixed, when it's obvious that it can't? #BillyWalsh

— Jonathan Healy (@jonathanhealy) October 22, 2015

There were well wishes from many for the popular coach.

Billy Walsh leaves Ireland for USA today. Away from the politics & sadness involved, thanks pal. Twas some journey👍🏽 pic.twitter.com/l7m6V8RBOb

— Darren O'Neill OLY (@DarrenONeillOLY) October 22, 2015

Best wishes my friend💋 #BillyWalsh You will be missed 😢 #sad #day #respect @AIBA_Boxing pic.twitter.com/eexxTLzalo

— Meda Carey (@IrelandMeda) October 22, 2015

All the best to Billy Walsh who departs for America this morning to begin the next chapter of a great career! pic.twitter.com/S87UZWtz7P

— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) October 22, 2015

Photos of Billy Walsh checking in at airport this morning for flight to US are very sad. What a ridiculous end to a salvageable situation.

— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) October 22, 2015

But plenty of anger remains around the dreadful handling of the entire business.

Well it's fair to say that the .@IABABOXING have made a complete bollox of the whole #BillyWalsh affair. Clearly wrong chiefs at the top

— Paul Mc Guinness (@paulmcguinness6) October 22, 2015