AmateurHeadline News

Paddy Barnes to carry Ireland flag at Rio Olympics

By Bernard O’Neill – IABA Press Officer

“It’s just a big as winning a medal.”

That was the thrilled reaction of three-time Irish Olympian Paddy Barnes today after he was selected as Team Ireland flag bearer for Rio 2016.

Barnes’ selection was announced at a media conference today to mark 100 days until the 2016 Games begin in Rio.

“I’m over the moon. It’s a great honour to be put on me and I’m just over the moon,” said the Belfast light-flyweight following today’s announcement.

“I’m really, really grateful. It’s not very often people carry the flag at the Games. Carrying the flag for me, leading your country at the biggest sporting event in the world, it’s just great, added the two-time Olympic bronze medallist.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to carry the Irish flag into the Olympic Stadium at the Opening Ceremony.

“It’s an amazing feeling to represent Ireland at an Olympic Games and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it twice before already. Going to my third Olympic Games as the flag bearer for Team Ireland now is just an incredible honour.

“I will be going for gold in Rio in the ring but I will also have the responsibility of helping to build a really positive environment for all Irish athletes. I could not be more excited about the next 100 days.”

OCI President Patrick Hickey said: “I am delighted to announce that our hugely talented boxer Paddy Barnes has been selected as Team Ireland’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony.

“Paddy already has two Olympic medals to his name, and he’s a reigning Commonwealth Games champion. So we have high hopes of him bringing home another medal.

“More importantly, his commitment to the cause of Irish boxing and Irish sport makes him a role model for aspiring young athletes in Ireland and the natural choice as Ireland’s flag bearer.”

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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