Ministers congratulate boxers Barnes and Nevin

The Sports Minister Leo Varadkar and the Junior Sports Minister Michael Ring, have wished John Joe Nevin every success tomorrow night in his attempt to secure a second gold medal for Ireland.

Both Ministers have also congratulated Belfast boxer Paddy Barnes on his Olympic achievement of winning a bronze medal.

In claiming bronze, Paddy Barnes has made Irish Olympic history as only the second Irish athlete ever to win two Olympic medals since 1924.

Minister Varadkar said Paddy Barnes is "a very worthy recipient of an Olympic Medal and can leave the London Games with his head held high."

Minister Ring said: "Today is a proud day for Paddy's family, friends and his club" and he congratulated him for writing his name into the Irish history books.