Former leader of IABA passes

FORMER Irish Athletic Boxing Association president Breandán Ó Conaire has died, with the organisation describing him as a “giant” of the sport.

- By MICHAEL SCULLY

Ó Conaire was instrumental in Nicholas Cruz coming to Ireland, with the Cuban coach helping to revolutionise the preparation of Irish Olympic hopefuls.

Elected as IABA president in 1996, he served for several terms in the role before he was inducted in the IABA Hall of Fame in 2023.

He was presented with the IABA President's Award in the same year.