Tag Archives: rio 2016

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Irish boxer Michael Conlan

Ognian Georgiev writes:

After numerous controversial decisions at Rio Olympics, the AIBA has apperently benched seven of their most established referees/judges.

Mik Basi (Gbr), Kheira Sidi Yakoub (Alg), Michael Gallagher (Ire), Mariusz Gorny (Pol), Vladislav Malyshev (Rus), Gerardo Poggi (Arg) and Rakhymzhan Rysbayev (Kaz) were leading the clique that Fightnews dubbed The Magnificent Seven.

The Magnificent Seven were appointed on a full contract basis. They receive a monthly salary of $5000. The 5-stars referees received additional benefits, working around the world in WSB and APB fight nights…

Thump.

AIBA benches top officials after Rio scandals (FightNews.com)

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From top: Rio 2016 Closing Ceremony ticket; Irish Olympic chief Pat Hickey and ID for Kevin Mallon

Irishman Kevin James Mallon, one of the heads at hospitality provider THG Sports, was arrested with tickets for the Rio Games..

Mallon is accused of conspiracy and helping sell tickets illegally.

The then-CEO of the same company, James Sinton, was arrested in 2014 as part of the investigation into the alleged World Cup ticket scam, police said.

Stephen Hickey, the son of OCI president Pat Hickey, worked as a manager for THG Sports during the 2012 games. There is no suggestion that the Hickeys are involved in this current investigation.

Meanwhile…

THG Sports chief executive James Sinton was arrested during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and accused by police of heading up a “ticketing mafia”. He was later freed after paying a fine and left the country.

In 2012, former footballer Romário, now a Brazilian senator, accused Pat Hickey of being involved in ticket touting for the 2012 Summer Games and the 2014 Winter Games. He said Pat Hickey was the link between the IOC and firms selling tickets on the black market. Pat Hickey dismissed the accusations.

Face of Irish executive arrested over alleged sale of €3m official tickets at Rio Olympics (Independent.ie)

Inquiry into alleged sale of Irish tickets for Olympics (Irish Times)

‘Immediate investigation’ into alleged fraudulent selling of Irish tickets (RTÉ)

Previously: OCI Appoint Ticketing Agency For 2012 Games (OC!)

Pics: AFP

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A new video from Paralympics Ireland, as part of its More Than Sport campaign.

Featuring Phil Eaglesham, who is part of Paralympics Ireland Shooting Team for Rio 2016.

Meanwhile, Paralympics Ireland writes:

Paralympics Ireland is this week calling on members of the public to help them in a bid to find and contact every Irish Paralympic athlete since the first Paralympic Games in Rome, 1960.

The initiative, which is known as the ‘Paralympian Recognition Programme’, will see each Irish Paralympian receive a pin and a unique number in order to recognize their contribution to the Paralympic movement in Ireland.

If you have any information about an athlete, you can contact Paralympics Ireland on ac@paralympics.ie.

The list of Paralympians that has been compiled to date can be viewed here.

A special gala will be held in 2017 in order to acknowledge the athletes.

Previously: More To Do

Via Paralympics Ireland

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Rory McIlroy

After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.

After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else. Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take.

I trust the Irish people will understand my decision. The unwavering support I receive every  time I compete in a golf tournament at home or abroad means the world to me.

I will continue to endeavour to make my fans and fans of golf proud with my play on the course and my actions off it.

A statement released by Rory McIlroy this morning.

Via Joy Chakravarty

Previously: Now Look What You’ve Done

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Ahead of Rio 2016 where 56 Irish athletes will compete in the Paralympics.

A new video from Paralympics Ireland for their awareness and fundraising campaign, More Than Sport.

Readers may wish to contribute to the campaign by texting PARA to 50300 to donate €4 to Paralympics Ireland.

More Than Sport (Paralympics Ireland)

Among the 17 Team Ireland Leaders are European Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley (Golf), Kevin Ankrom (Athletics), Joseph Hennigan (Boxing), Brian Nugent (Cycling), Sally Filmer (Gymnastics), Mike Heskin (Hockey) and Peter Banks (Swimming)

Medals in the bag already.

Irish Sports Council