GALWAY OFFICIALS FOR OLYMPIC BOXING QUALIFIERS

          It's official. Galway boxing is no longer the Cinderella of the sport at an organisational level. And the proof of this is that two of the most respected ringside figures in the county will take their positions as fully accredited officials at two of the most important boxing tournaments to be held in Europe this year. Both tournaments are qualifiers for the Olympics to be held in Athens in August. Only two other Olympic Qualifiers take place in Europe together with the European championships, which also act as a qualifier. The prestige, in which these officials are held, is indicated by the fact that they must first be nominated by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association and that this nomination must then be accepted by the governing European body. In effect a double examination of their credentials.
The first of the two to fly out to his tournament was Ferdy Whelan of the Loughrea Club, who flew to Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday (18th). Ferdy will officiate as a referee and judge during the week long tournament. He is no stranger to international competition having appeared in a similar capacity many times before in Britain and Europe and indeed the United States.
          Joe Hernon of the Galway Boxing Club has already officiated as a judge at the European Championships in Pula, Croatia at the end of February this year, a signal mark of distinction for any boxing official. Now he will add to his roll of honour as he sets off on Sunday (25th) for the final qualifying tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan. These are busy times indeed for both of these popular and respected boxing administrators. Coincidentally both of them work for Eircom and appreciate the assistance they receive from the company in arranging their timetables.