The IABA's two most powerful figures have resigned in the wake of the majority vote governance change at the July 10th EGM.
Chairperson Ciarán Kirwan and CEO Fergal Carruth have today notified the board of directors of their decision and both will step down on September 2.
The move embroils Irish boxing in fresh turmoil as the clock ticks on finding agreement on a raft of changes recommended in an independent report and demanded by government ministers and Sport Ireland.
Read more: Jude Gallagher on the 'boxer's mentality' that led to Commonwealth gold rush
Kirwan, a solicitor by profession, has served as chairperson of the IABA since 2019, having served as a director since 2014. Carruth was appointed CEO in 2013.
The announcement follows Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers' call on the IABA to instigate the changes at board level necessary - including the appointment of independent directors - to prevent further funding cuts beyond the 15% already taken from the association's core funding budget.
Already one month of the two-month deadline to produce a plan that Sport Ireland and the government will work with has passed, reports the Irish Mirror.
Kirwan and Carruth had been in dialogue with Sport Ireland, but clearly they now feel that change at the top is the only way to try to end boxing's internal strife, with clubs unhappy with the structures currently in place.
Boxing was once again mired in controversy in the wake of the medal-winning exploits of Kellie Harrington and Aidan Walsh in Tokyo, with Bernard Dunne quitting his role as High Performance director as he felt he hadn't received the backing he needed from the top after anonymous internal criticism was circulated prior to the Games.
Carruth, who is a brother of Michael, Ireland's gold medal winner in the ring at the Barcelona Olympics 30 years ago, said: "Having been involved with boxing all my life, serving as CEO of the IABA has been the privilege of a lifetime, especially given all the success enjoyed by Irish boxing in the ring during this time.
"I am delighted, too, that there are more people than ever involved in our sport. Membership has almost tripled, 25% of which is now female.
"There are now 350 clubs serving communities nationwide, an increase of over 100 clubs since 2013.
"I am leaving with more than a little regret but believe that there are those within the sport who do not recognise the importance of compliance with the highest standards of corporate governance, which are vital in underpinning the growth and development of our wonderful sport.
"I hope that the decision to step down may serve as a catalyst for necessary change and that the Irish boxing family finds a way to maximise its significant potential in the future."
Meanwhile, Kirwan commented: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the Irish Athletic Boxing Association over the last nine years as a director, and more recently as chairperson.
"I am passionate about Irish boxing, having come from a family steeped in the sport.
"However, I believe that the requirements in terms of good governance set out by the government, and indeed the governance report commissioned by the IABA’s board of directors, are correct and entirely reasonable, particularly in the context of the National Sports Policy and the scale of government funding now available to sport in this country.
"It is time for a new voice to serve as chairperson and I am hopeful that the impediments to the adoption of the necessary good governance changes can be overcome.
"Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Fergal and all the staff of the IABA whose work is so vital to the continued success of Irish boxing and all of whom have been a pleasure to work with”.
The IABA have stated that the process of appointing replacements for Kirwan and Carruth will begin shortly.
READ NEXT:
- NI boxers return home to heroes' welcome after Commonwealth success
-
Michael Conlan hails "fantastic" Dylan Eagleson after teenager wins gold
-
Michaela Walsh hails 'dream come true' after winning boxing gold
-
NI boxers spark a gold rush en route to record medal haul at Commonwealth Games
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
