Egan apologises for no-show

04 March 2009 – By Mark Doyle

Irish Olympic hero Kenny Egan has apologised for failing to turn up for last weekend’s internationals against the United States.

Light-heavyweight star Egan, who won silver in last year’s Games in Beijing, had been scheduled to lead his country in the two clashes with their American counterparts but he never showed for Thursday’s weigh-in.

“Kenny wishes to express his sincerest apologies to everyone and in particular all those people that have been very supportive of him both through his journey to the Olympic Final in Beijing and after the Games,” a statement released on Egan’s behalf read.

“He would also like to apologise to his mother and family for all the media attention that his success has brought to their doors. Kenny knows he has largely fed the media commentary and wishes to hold his hands up and again apologise to all involved. He has found dealing with the success and the new found fame it brings very challenging and he says himself that he hasnt handled it appropriately and put himself out there in celebrity world and got caught up in it.

“He would like to apologise to his team mates, coaches and support staff in the high performance programme and to the President Mr. Dominic ORourke and the IABA for letting them down by not turning up to compete in the recent international against America. Kenny while trying to please everybody left himself open to all sorts of request which ultimately left him in a position where he couldnt meet his commitments.

“He has made a decision not to box on the Bernard Dunne world title fight because he is not in condition to compete at this point. Kenny wanted to apologise to Brian Peters for any inconvenience this will cause and wishes Bernard the very best in his Title fight.

“Kenny has to get back to basics and doing what he knows best: showing hard work and real commitment in the places he loves – the gym, the ring and the international arena.”