Tributes paid to Ireland's boxers

Tributes were today paid to three Irish boxers who touched down on home soil clutching bronze medals.

John Joe Joyce, Eamon O’Kane and Ross Hickey secured third places at the 2008 European Senior Championships in Liverpool this week after losing their semi-final bouts.

Sports Minister Martin Cullen said their success at the prestigious tournament was down to hard work and the support and preparation around the Irish team.

“Due to sheer hard work and dedication we have terrific talent coming through the system,” said Minister Cullen.

“It has been a memorable year for Irish boxing – a year that saw Ken Egan, Darren Sutherland and Paddy Barnes win three medals for Ireland at the Beijing Olympics.

“Ireland also had wonderful success at the EU Championship Finals in Poland in June winning six medals and in August in Liverpool when Katie Taylor won a gold medal and Boxer of the Tournament at the Women’s EU Championships.

“At the recent World Youth Championships held in Mexico, Ireland achieved four medals.”