Irish boxers depart for World Championships

BOXING SQUAD DEPART FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CHICAGO
 
October 15, 2007.

The Irish boxing squad gathered for a final briefing in the National Stadium today in advance of their departure for Chicago for the 2007 WAIBA World Championships.

The team will leave Dublin on October 15 and set up camp in advance of competition which commences on October 23. With a full team of eleven Irish boxers can expect to be involved from the first day of competition.

As well as being a major championships in its own right the 2007 Worlds have extra significance as a qualifying tournament for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.  
 
More than 120 countries have entered boxers in the competition with each weight category having between 50 and 70 boxers. That means that, depending in the draw Irish boxers will have to win three fights (last 64, 32 & 16) to secure Olympic qualification.

Jim Walsh, Team Manager: “The squad has prepared meticulously for this competition which is the highlight of the 2007 calendar. We know we have talented boxers and a great high performance programme so we are confident that each boxer will reach his personal target at the Championships.” 

Irish World Championships Squad Chicago: October 23rd/November 3rd:
Light Fly 48Kg:  Paddy Barnes   (Holy Family GG)
Fly   51Kg:  Conor Ahern   (Baldoyle)
Bantam 54Kg:  Ryan Lindberg  (Immaculata)
Feather  57Kg:  David Oliver Joyce  (St Michael's Athy)
Light   60Kg:  Eric Donovan   (St Michael's Athy) 
Light Welter 64Kg:  John Joe Joyce  (St Michael's Athy)
Welter  69Kg:  Roy Sheahan   (St Michael's Athy)
Middle  75Kg:  Darren Sutherland  (St Saviours OBA)
Light Heavy 81Kg:  Ken Egan   (Neilstown)
Heavy  91Kg:  John Sweeney   (Dungloe)
Super Heavy 91+Kg: Cathal McMonagle  (Holy Trinity)

Further information from
Paul McDermott, Irish Sports Council, 087-6486295 and
Bernard O'Neill, Public Relations Officer, Irish Amateur Boxing Association
Ph: 086 057 9558, Fax: 061 408627

The IABA, in cooperation with the Irish Sports Council, will provide a comprehensive press service during the Chicago 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships
For latest results log onto  www.iaba.ie
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