Minister Cullen hails performance of boxers
The Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, has hailed the achievement of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association in getting five boxers qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Irish captain Ken Egan, Darren Sutherland, John Joe Joyce, John Joe Nevin and Paddy Barnes have all booked their tickets for Beijing following long and arduous qualifying campaigns throughout Europe and the World.
Minister Cullen was at the National Stadium in Dublin this afternoon and told Ireland's five Olympians that they had achieved a rare and special honour.
He said: "I am delighted to meet such talented, dedicated athletes, who have fought such a fine campaign to qualify for Beijing.
"It is the highest honour for any sportsperson to be selected to represent his or her country at an elite world competition and the five of you have achieved a rare and special honour, being amongst the select group of people in Irish sporting history who can call themselves Olympians.
"Since 2003, funding from the Irish Sports Council has enabled the Irish Amateur Boxing Association to put in place a High Performance programme under Performance Director Gary Keegan.
"Gary's direction and the support of the exceptional coaching staff have contributed significantly to Ireland's boxer's performances - and results - improving dramatically in this period."
The Minister added: "In an increasingly sedentary society, this Government is committed to providing opportunities to increase sporting participation.
"These boxers are wonderful ambassadors for their sport. Through their dedication to training, their commitment to honing their sporting skills and mastery of tactics, they have been rewarded with a place on the Irish team at the world's greatest sporting event.
"I wish you every success this August and know that you will do your coaches, your clubs and country proud."
Commentating on today's visit the president of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association Dominic O'Rourke, said they were delighted to welcome Minister Cullen to the home of Irish amateur boxing.
He said: "We are delighted that Minister Cullen took the time out from his very busy schedule to visit the National Stadium.
"This visit is a great boost to the Irish boxers and it shows that their remarkable achievements are being recognised at the highest level."
"Minister Cullen is from a sporting background and his interest in our sport obviously showed as he was very impressed with our boxers performances and our gym and facilities.
"Today's visit was a fantastic boost for our sport and on behalf of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association I would like to thank Minister Cullen for visiting the National Stadium."
