BOXING ROW HEADING FOR COURT SEQUEL
Last ditch bid to resolve Ballyhaunis dispute
BY TOM KELLY
A last ditch bid is being made to resolve the on-going dispute which has split Ballyhaunis Boxing Club down the middle. Leading officials of the sport in the province have been involved in behind-the-scenes talks to find a solution to the problem before it ends up in the law courts. The rumpus blew up between club officials a number of months ago over the appointment of a coach from outside the area and culminated in allegations that a weigh-reducing tablet was subscribed to a boxer before a national championship bout.
The controversy reached a head when the club lost the use of their training facilities and equipment. The doors of the gym was locked when the club's boxers turned up for training at the start of the season. They were told the facility was a fire hazard and was no longer deemed suitable for indoor training. Since then the club have been accommodated by a local hotel which came to their rescue by providing a temporary training centrel.
Ballyhaunis Boxing Club has over 20 juvenile boxers on their books and has been one of the most successful clubs in the province over the past number of years. But the future of the organisation is being put seriously at risk by the lingering conflict.
A spokesman for the club said they had obtained legal advice and the issue was likely to have a court sequel. He stated:
- "We have received tremendous support from the Ballyhaunis public since the problem first erupted, and we thank them for all they have done for us."
- "The sooner things return to normal at Ballyhaunis Boxing Club the better for all concerned."
Connaught Telegraph - News - February 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - February 1996
