Gallagher and Walsh out of new ‘worlds’

OLYMPIC medal winner Aidan Walsh and Jude Gallagher are two high-profile absentees from Team Ireland's 17-strong in Liverpool for the start of the World Boxing World Championships on Thursday.

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

Neither have competed in the ring since their early Paris Olympics exit in the summer of last year.

“Aidan Walsh doesn't owe Irish boxing anything,” said IABA high performance coach Damian Kennedy.

“He's been a fantastic servant for Irish boxing.

“Aidan (below) has a bit of thinking to do with what his future looks like. We're open for that discussion with Aidan, absolutely.”

Team Ireland's head coach Zaur Antia added: “Aidan has done quite a good job and, at the moment, he is thinking about the future,” said Antia.

“Maybe he can continue.

Derry man Gallagher has been training with the elite unit.