Conor Wallace launches High Court bid to reverse Commonwealth Games deselection

12 Ulster boxers began the long journey from Dublin Airport to the Gold Coast in Australia this morning for the Commonwealth Games.

One other fighter though still hopes to represent Northern Ireland at the multi-sport games.

One of the thirteen initially announced boxers in January, Newry light heavyweight Conor Wallace had been training with the team in Jordanstown but was deselected from the panel last week.

The Holy Family Drogheda man’s legal team today launched a High Court bid for his late reinstatement and for Wallace to join up with the rest of the team Down Under.

Wallace is seeking an injunction aimed at reversing last week’s decision deselection.

The Ulster champion’s legal team issued proceedings against the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council and the Irish Athletic Boxing Association.

In addition to their push for an injunction, Wallace’s barrister Ronan Lavery told the court today that they will also be exploring alternative resolution options beforehand

Lawyers representing both the NICWGC the IABA confirmed that they are willing to participate in alternative resolution hearings and a mediation/arbitration process will take place next Wednesday [March 21st].
.
In terms of this process, the sitting judge, Mr Justice Maguire first wants to confirm whether the outcome to this process will be accepted as binding by both parties rather than a first stage ahead of a legal battle.

Noting that he wants to know both parties’ positions, Maguire stated in reference to the mediation that “you can’t just have a situation of going through the motions before the real battle in this court.”

Photo Credit: William McNamara Photography.