By Paddy Appleton

Bernard Dunne knows it is hard to deal with the pressures involved in top level sport but he says the Irish squad have the right man in Billy Walsh to keep them grounded.

Dunne is a former world and European champion so he knows that the public can be as cruel as they can kind but he feels Walsh will control the squad well in London.

“It depends on the individual’s mentality; Billy Walsh won’t be letting them get exposed to that stuff because it’s about monitoring what they’re reading and what they see on TV,” said the former WBA champion.

“I know that when I boxed I never read articles about myself. Even when my name got mentioned on the radio, I’d change the station and the same with TV.

Former world champion Dunne was also an exciting amateur so he can relate to the Olympic squad and their issues.

“That’s just stopping outside influenced getting into your head because the only thing that matters is what they believe.

Dunne had an impressive record of 119-11 in the amateur game and so he knows the pressures involved in the unpaid ranks well.

He also believes that in Pete Taylor the squad have a fantastic coach and his approach with Katie will be an asset to the whole squad, not just his world champion daughter.

“Katie’s dad is very good at that [handling expectations]; her dad and family are a huge influence on her and he’s got a great control about who gets access to her and what she’s exposed to.

“I don’t see anything distracting her from what she does. I think her religion helps her focus and keeps her mind clear.

“As for the rest of the squad, well they’re strong enough themselves and know themselves what they’re capable of, they don’t need anyone else to tell them. I’m sure Billy Walsh has drilled that into their heads.”