Boxers set a standard that some of our Olympic officials can’t match

FROM some of the early reports from Beijing it was beginning to look like we were going to have to be content that nobody drowned in the pool or got lost on the running track, but then the boxers came to the rescue. Sure we’re famous the world over for fighting.

Darren Sutherland and Paddy Barnes have secured bronze medals, while Kenny Egan is assured of at least a silver medal and will be going for gold in tomorrow’s final.

Back in 1956, we had six boxers in Melbourne among the 12 competitors who represented Ireland at to those Olympics. The government then contributed just £3,000 for the whole team. How much did the Government now pay towards sending the team to Beijing?