Lord of the Dance
Billy Walsh has given his support to Bernard Dunne after the IABA resignation
Sport

Billy Walsh has given his support to Bernard Dunne after the IABA resignation

BILLY WALSH, the former IABA high performance director, who left his role in 2016 has given his support to Bernard Dunne after he left his role this month.

Dunne has not worked at Ireland's HP since the Tokyo games in 2020 due to an unsigned SWOT analysis.

Dunne lodged a complaint against two volunteers at the time and left his role last week leaving the role vacant for the third time.

Walsh was at the helm of Irish boxing at the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2012 Summer Olympics, guiding them to seven medals, bookmarked by Katie Taylor's gold in London

Walsh now working as Team USA's head coach speaking to Claire Byrne Live claimed the situation was 'crazy'

"I think it's crazy to be at this stage," Walsh said

"Three (high) performance directors later, two Oireachtas Committee meetings - which ended up just being talk shops - and nothing has happened.

"Nobody has stood up and actually taken these people to task. It's a disgrace. There's people's psychological welfare being affected by this.

"Sport Ireland, or the Irish Government, need to stand up and make people accountable for their actions - or their inactions.

"To leave was such a difficult thing for me. I spent lots of nights crying on my own. I was in Doha when I made the decision that I was going to resign.

Walsh also added that Dunne was 'in a bad place' at the time and that any talk of a return to the role won't happen due to the circumstances

"Psychologically I was in a bad place and I know Bernard has been in a bad place for several months now, because this has been going on since February 2021 and it hasn't been resolved.

"Nobody has stood up and supported me or supported Bernard. I think Sport Ireland has a lot to answer for."

He ended the interview claiming that Dunne's resignation has given the Dubliner clarity these days

"I think Bernard is in a better place now that he's made the decision.

"The turmoil of leaving your dream job was very daunting for me and I know Bernard has had similar problems dealing with it.

"But now he's made the decision, he's in a better place."