The 2024 Celtic Box Cup - which was due to take place in Dungarvan this September for an 11th year, has been cancelled.
In a statement this evening, organisers have said the decision was made due to "internal difficulties within the Irish Athletic Boxing Association" - pertaining to an impending trial involving IABA President, Dungarvan Boxing Club's Gerry O'Mahony.
Gerry O’Mahony was charged with sexual assault in May of last year at a sitting of Dungarvan District Court in Waterford on May 15th, 2023.
The court appearance was not reported at the time and Mr O’Mahony continued in his role as president of the IABA.
The law made provision on indictment for a term of imprisonment “not exceeding ten years”.
The case was resultantly forwarded to the Circuit Criminal Court for trial by jury and the last mention of it was on May 27th, 2024.
A trial date for July 2nd had been set, but WLR News understands the trial has been rescheduled to resume at a later date.
Announcing the cancellation of this year's Celtic Box Cup, Competition Secretary Francis Keeling said:
"Unfortunately, this years Celtic Box Cup has been cancelled due to internal difficulties within the IABA. The board of directors have refused to affiliate Dungarvan Boxing Club because of its association with its founder member, Mr. Gerry O' Mahony - whom is also currently President of the lABA. The board are in denial that the President, whom at present is involved in a court case did not pass on the relevant information concerning his involvement with the case. They have also issued a statement to the effect that they will not support him in his bid to assert his innocence."
"Permission was granted to the club to hold the competition and has been for the past 10 years. However without affiliation, the tournament cannot proceed. We apologise on the club's behalf and suggest that any questions concerning this matter should be addressed to John Nangle, Secretary of the Board of Directors IABA."
In a statement released following news of allegations against O'Mahony, the IABA said: “The IABA has only just become aware of the subject matter of recent media articles naming Gerry O Mahony, President of the IABA, and his involvement in legal proceedings. Gerry O Mahony has volunteered to step aside from discharging the duties of the President of the IABA, pending the resolution of those matters. This includes all domestic and international functions. We are mindful of each person’s presumption of innocence and shall be making no further media comment on this matter which is now before the courts”.
€10,000 was allocated by Waterford City and County Council to support the Celtic Box Cup under 2024 Festival & Event Grants earlier this year.
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