In the wake of Joe Ward's disappointing loss in the Rio Olympics, the name of Billy Walsh has cropped up among those seeking to explain the disappointing start to the Rio Olympics for the Irish boxing team.
Light-heavyweight Ward lost his opening bout to Ecuador's Carlos Andres Mina, and the defeat followed opening round losses for Paddy Barnes and David Oliver Joyce as well as Michael O'Reilly's departure from the squad after testing positive for a banned substance.
And London 2012 Olympic silver medalist John Joe Nevin was just one of those who cited the absence of Walsh-the former head coach of the Irish boxing high performance squad-in the aftermath of Ward losing the decision.
See also: 'Coach Billy Walsh' Is Starting To Get A Lot Of Love From America As US Boxers Excel'
It's easy to have an off day but as I said last year when Billy Walsh left he is a big loss my view best coaching the world a true legend!
— John Joe Nevin (@johnJoeNevin) August 11, 2016
Billy Walsh has just delivered USA's first boxing medal in eight years. Good job the IABA said they have 20 coaches as good as him.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) August 10, 2016
Bring back Billy Walsh
— Ger Gilroy (@gergilroy) August 10, 2016
Billy Walsh's departure from the Irish boxing set-up last year led to widespread criticism of the IABA for letting him leave. Walsh moved to the USA to coach the country's women's team and, it has since transpired, also takes charge of the men's set-up for the country that, quite incredibly, won no medals in the men's boxing in London 2012. And last night the fortunes of Walsh's new charges clashed notably with those of those of his home nation as light flyweight Nico Hernandez advanced to the semi-finals, guaranteeing him at least a bronze medal.
But Paddy Barnes (via Twitter), Michael Carruth and Kellie Harrington (both on RTÉ after the Ward fight) were just three prominent Irish boxing figures who denied that Walsh's absence should be pointed to in the wake of perceived failures for the boxers in Rio.
Anyone that thinks Billy Walsh is the reason for any Irish loss doesn't no anything about Irish amatuer boxing and that's a fact!
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) August 11, 2016
Are Ireland's boxers suffering because of the absence of Billy Walsh? https://t.co/DbX9HojJae #rterio2016 https://t.co/R1bXAcbikt
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 10, 2016
Walsh himself spoke to RTE last night, and the interview was featured on the 'Rio AM' morning highlights show. Walsh reflected on the success of the USA team, while also expressing his disappointment for the Irish boxers who have stepped into the ring so far.
Officially I was being named as women's head coach, but I knew going there that I was going to be looking after the men as well. They've come in under the umbrella as well so I've been working with both teams since I got there and I think after the Games there might be an official announcement (that he is in charge of the men).
It's been tough-to go to any country, to any business, and change the culture. And that was what the problem was-they had a different culture than what world class athletes had, so we've worked on that. We've clashed heads on a few occasions with each other, but we've all compromised, including myself. We've met along the way and we've got a system together now that is starting to deliver success. With that success, we'll grow, and I think that after the Games there will be improvements to be made as we head towards Tokyo.
I'm gutted for (the Irish boxers), you know. I've been with them since they were kids, and have been at all their successes, and I felt very sad for them, especially for Paddy, trying to be Ireland's first triple Olympic medalist. But lookit, you know, that's sport and they'll dust themselves down and get on with it and I know the rest of the team will do themselves justice and proud in this forthcoming Games.
When he was, inevitably, questioned about where his future lies, Walsh answered, "I'm working hard to make USA boxing one of the best nations in the world, and that's where my future is at the moment".
The next Irish boxer in action is Steven Donnelly, who fights today (Thursday) around 4.30-4.45PM Irish time in his last 16 bout, before a big three days from Saturday to Monday when Brendan Irvine, Michael Conlan and Katie Taylor all step through the ropes for the first time at the Games.
