The Irish Amateur Boxing Association's central council took the unprecedented step on Saturday of agreeing to introduce a monetary award scheme for finalists in the National Senior Championships. Delegates said they were aware that ways to overcome existing bye laws and regulations may have to be found before money is handed out to national champions and runners-up in addition to medals. It was suggested that any monies received could officially go back to the club of the boxer concerned.

Association president Brendan O'Conaire said he had been assured at an international presidents' meeting that the move "would be very unlikely to cause any problems".

The meeting heard that $2,000 per winner was on offer in Dublin in 1991 when Ireland hosted the World Cup series.

Meanwhile, women's boxing in Ireland remains an issue. Joe Heneghan, the Connacht president, who told the meeting that there are over 70 women boxers in the province, accused the IABA of putting obstacles in the way of women's boxing.

Heneghan said: "We are only playing with time to get rid of them (women boxers), hoping they will get fed up and go away".

Once again, it was decided to request information on the matter from the county boards, the clubs and provincial councils with the end of January fixed as the closing date for responses.