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Irish Sports Council urges IABA to reconsider deal to keep Billy Walsh in Ireland

‘We urge the IABA to act quickly and decisively in the matter,’ says ISC chairman Kieran Mulvey.

THE IRISH SPORTS Council (ISC) have this afternoon issued a response to the news that the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) rejected a new deal proposed for high performance coach Billy Walsh.

Walsh has been headhunted by USA Boxing to head up their women’s team for next year’s Olympic Games and, with no suitable offer presently on the table in Ireland, it seems likely he will cross the Atlantic for a new position.

“Following a series of talks, the ISC presented a proposal which addressed the needs and concerns of all parties,” says their statement released today.

“On 25 August the ISC was informed that the proposal would not be presented to the board and that a sub-committee was suggesting a new version that was substantially different to the original proposal.

In effect this unilateral action ended the ISC’s initiative. It is not aware of any progress over the past few days. It has advised the IABA to act quickly and to revert to the original proposal if the situation is to be resolved. “

At the time of writing, the ISC say that they have had no further correspondence from the IABA. However, ISC chairman Kieran Mulvey continues to ask that the association return to the proposal which they felt had already been agreed upon by all parties.

“The ISC has been clear and unambiguous in its desire to keep Billy Walsh in Irish sport. We communicated clearly to the IABA that we would provide whatever support is necessary to retain Billy.

“It was our understanding that a framework and agreement had been reached by all parties. The ISC were surprised and extremely disappointed that the proposal  was not presented to the IABA board. We urge the IABA to act quickly and decisively in the matter.”

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