Why do boxers from Northern Ireland fight for Ireland?

"Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland". That is what the name of the British Olympic team states. Yet several of the Irish boxers that won medals for Ireland were actually from Northern Ireland which should surely count towards team GB? Alan Campbell and Wendy Houvenaghel are from Northern Ireland but were part of team GB in rowing and cycling. So why is it different for boxers?

They like to be paid in euros.

Not just boxing, all sports. Even the common person can declare themselves Irish and get a Irish passport if they see fit. In fact persons of a certain age in the in the republic of Ireland can get themselves a british passport if they want, legacy of being a colony. No big mystery.

IABA, who govern Irish amateur boxing, was set up in 1911 before Ireland was split and since then Boxers, North and South, continue to fight under the same banner.

Boxing has always been a working class sport in Ireland, and so it has never be feasible for boxers from Northern Ireland to travel to London to compete in the ABA's. Guys like Kenny Beattie, Wayne McCullough and Carl Frampton are all from Protestant backgrounds, yet all represented Ireland internationally.

It is when threads like this appear that I am eternally grateful Windy made Shenglong's return to these boards a brief one

I'll take over his role if you want rowley?

Its an overcomplicated system that contradicts itself. You shouldnt have some sports where Northern Ireland athletes are in team GB and some where they are in Ireland. Where is the consistency? Team GB is made up of athletes from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so why should the boxers be any different? What are they going to do with the golf in the Rio games with the likes of McIlroy?

The Boss wrote:I'll take over his role if you want rowley?

It's very kind of you to offer, any chance I can take a raincheck on it though?

Gordy wrote:Its an overcomplicated system that contradicts itself. You shouldnt have some sports where Northern Ireland athletes are in team GB and some where they are in Ireland. Where is the consistency? Team GB is made up of athletes from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so why should the boxers be any different? What are they going to do with the golf in the Rio games with the likes of McIlroy?

Read 6oldenbhoy's post above you clueless goon........

You are soooooooooo right Gordy.

We should also count Mo Farah's gold medals towards Somalia.

He was born in Mogadishu, Somalia.

In all fairness whilst things appear to have improved in recent years, suspect Ireland still has more pressing things to worry about than this.

I know Jeff.

I think king WUM thought he would have felt a bigger bite to this subject than he has got so far.

My suggestion?? Lock the thread, its just been made to start arguments.

Reborn-DeeMcK-Reborn wrote:I know Jeff.

I think king WUM thought he would have felt a bigger bite to this subject than he has got so far.

My suggestion?? Lock the thread, its just been made to start arguments.

I think you're giving Gordy too much credit Reborn. He's just an idiot. Pity, as his wummery is spoiling quite a few threads on here.

Why?

Because Lennox Lewis is the 2nd greatest ever, this years olympics was too confusing so they represented Ireland and because Khan is a hype job, DUH! Do you know nothing Gordy?

No rowley you've opened this can of worms. So I believe 1690 when Gerry Adams was at the Battle of Clontarf is as good a place as any to start...

Can we not just start at Barry Mcguigan fighting for a British title, will save time because whereever we start that is damned sure where we will end.

But Barry is Irish! Ah f*** it!

Why don't Mexicans fight for America ?????

Why do some fighters get rolled like drunks???

Why do Canadians like fighting for Britain????

Why don't I get divorced so I can be happy???

Why don't I say "dumbass" as much as I used to??

Why is the moon made of cheese???

Who knows...who cares.......life is too short!!!!!

Deep Truss. Very deep! Lose your inheritance if you get divorced is the only one I can answer!

Not going to argue with the boss!!!

Because I was...born in the USA.........