THE IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL have described the Irish Amateur Boxing Association’s statement on Billy Walsh’s resignation as ‘unclear’, maintaining that what happened in the weeks prior to the Wexford native’s departure is still a mystery.
In a statement released this evening, the organisation hinted that they will provide a more detailed take on the Walsh affair at the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications which takes place next Friday, 28th October.
They also confirmed that they wrote to the IABA two days ago, seeking answers and a more detailed explanation of events.
They have not received a response thus far.
Previously, the Sports Council have said they may review the funding they provide to the IABA in light of Walsh leaving for the US and taking up a position in Colorado with the country’s women’s boxing team ahead of the next summer’s Olympic Games.
The statement in full is as follows:
Sport Ireland has noted the statement made today by the IABA regarding the recent resignation of Billy Walsh as Head Coach. Unfortunately there was very little new information contained within it and it remains unclear what transpired in the weeks before Billy Walsh’s resignation.Sport Ireland has been invited to attended the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications on Wednesday October 28. This is the appropriate forum for Sport Ireland, as the custodian of taxpayers money, to provide a comprehensive statement to all matters arising.
On October 21 Sport Ireland wrote to the IABA seeking answers to certain specific and relevant questions. It would be very useful if those responses were provided in advance of the Oireachtas Committee meeting.”
