Bernard Dunne Appointed New IABA High Performance Director
Bernard Dunne is leaving his role as performance coach with the Dublin footballers.
The former WBA Super Bantamweight champion has been appointed as the High Performance Director of the IABA.
He will work with Head Coach Zaur Anita.
Dunne is taking on a position last held by Gary Keegan back in 2008, with Billy Walsh unofficially taking on the role, until his departure before the Rio Olympics last year.
Dunne will begin phasing out his position as performance and lifestyle coach with the Dublin footballers in the coming weeks.
He has held that role for five years.
“Bernard came through a thorough and extensive recruitment”, said IABA CEO Fergal Carruth.
“It is fantastic for the sport in this country that it was someone who achieved such success in boxing that emerged as the best qualified candidate.
“The Rio Olympic Games were both difficult and disappointing for boxing but we are delighted that with this appointment together with the announcement of the move to the Sport Ireland Institute of our High Performance Unit that we have addressed three of the key recommendations detailed in the review conducted after the Rio Games.
Dunne with Zaur Anita Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
“Bernard brings with him a wealth of experience in both the amateur and professional environment”, added Chairman of Sport Ireland, Kieran Mulvey.
“He is the ideal candidate to lead Ireland’s boxing programme as we enter the Tokyo 2020 cycle.
“The appointment of Bernard as High Performance Director ... signifies a new start for amateur boxing in Ireland.
Dunne himself outlined his vision for his time in the role:
“I believe there is huge talent within Irish boxing and I am looking forward to working with the boxers, the coaches, the clubs and the wider boxing community.
“We have the infrastructure around the country and we have the support of OCI and the Government.
“My vision is to take the very best in the current system and match it with the very latest in high performance training so that our men and women can perform and win at European, World and Olympic level.
“Their attitude, commitment and work ethics are equally as important as their talents.
“So, I will be working with the boxers and the coaches to get the very best from their training regimes, diets, as well as their physical, mental and all round development,” he said.
The IABA also announced that their High Performance Unit would move to the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus on a permanent basis.