Irish boxing will have a seventh person between the ropes at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Michael Gallagher, from Omagh in Tyrone, has confirmed that he has been selected as a Referee and Judge (R&J) for the 30th Olympiad.

Gallagher, pictured above, cemented his status as a top Referee and Judge last year when he was presented with the World R&J award by AIBA.

His appointment could be a lucky omen for Ireland as Newry’s Jackie Poucher was the last Irish R&J to officiate at an Olympics Games in 1992 when Michael Carruth and Wayne McCullough won gold and silver.

Newry-native Poucher was the third man in the ring for the clash between Oscar de La Hoya and Marco Rudolph 20 years ago.

Gallagher said: “I’m over the moon to be appointed. When I started out as a Referee and Judge back in 1987 I never dreamed that I would reach this level.

“It’s every boxers’ dream to make it to the Olympic Games, I think for most officials it’s the same. I am looking forward to what I hope will be a great Games.”

Katie Taylor, Adam Nolan, Darren O’Neill, John Joe Nevin, Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes will represent Ireland in the boxing event at London 2012.