Walsh isn’t distracted by IABA turmoil

AIDAN Walsh insists it is business as usual for Ireland’s boxers despite resignations that have rocked the IABA and the threat of the sport being absent at LA 2028.

Over the past 14 months, the Belfast welterweight has won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics and gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Golden girl Kellie Harrington has publicly lamented the loss of Bernard Dunne as Ireland’s High Performance Director.

But for Walsh, it is a case of ‘look at the medals’ despite the resignations of IABA CEO Fergal Carruth and president Ciaran Kirwan last month due to the sport’s internal civil war.

Respond

“Ultimately I think that it’s not actually what happens, it’s how you respond to things in life that counts,” Walsh said. “I’m a positive person, I always look on the bright side of life.

“The people who were in that position before were amazing. I’ve a great relationship with Bernard. He taught me a lot.

“A lot of the success I’ve had in my career, Bernard helped me massively. And not just me, a lot of other athletes, and I wish him all the best in all he does.

“Whatever he does, he’ll be a success.

“That role will be filled and whoever fills it, I wish them all the best. I’ve a great relationship with everybody on the High Performance and whoever comes in next will also do a brilliant job.

“I think Irish boxing is absolutely flying.

“In terms of everything that has gone on, look at the success we’re having look at the medals we’re getting internationally, in the Olympics, look at the Commonwealth Games.

“I know there’s other things going on outside, of course I understand that. But I honestly think that the people who are in charge are doing an amazing job and everybody has been the best they can be.

“Every tournament Ireland go to, we medal in. Look at the Commonwealth Games, we were the top country out of India, out of England, it’s absolutely phenomenal.”

Walsh will be one of Ireland’s top contenders for Paris 2024 once he negotiates the Olympic qualifiers next year as part of the World championships.

As to his future beyond Paris, he insists that isn’t on his radar for now. Making it to his second Olympics is his tunnel vision.

Tempted

Perhaps, like many others, he will be tempted to turn pro if boxing, as is threatened, has not cleaned up its act at the highest levels to satisfy Olympic chiefs.

As things stand, Ireland’s most bountiful sport in terms of Olympic medals is in serious danger of being dumped for the 2028 Games.

“Whatever happens is completely out of all of our control,” Walsh commented.

“Every young athlete who comes through the programme, their dream is to go to the Olympics and all you can do is just focus on your dream and whatever happens, happens.”