Kenny Egan guaranteed Ireland at least a silver medal in Olympic boxing today with what Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism Martin Cullen described as a display of “class and style”.
Mr Cullen congratulated Egan on his comprehensive victory in the Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing today over Briton Tony Jeffries, saying he "was relentless in pursuit of victory."
Despite losing in their semifinals, Darren Sutherland and Paddy Barnes won bronze medals earlier today. Sutherland lost to British boxer James DeGale in his semi-final bout in Beijing this morning, while Barnes was defeated by Zou Shiming of China.
Mr Cullen said the story of the Olympics is the success of the Irish boxers.
"To have sent five boxers and for two of them to win bronze medals and now to find ourselves seeking gold is a fantastic achievement," he said.
"While there has been serious disappointment with the disqualification of Denis Lynch and Lantinus in the equestrian event, that is now a matter for due process and must not and should not overshadow the boxing performances.
"We now look forward to our team captain Kenny Egan who has led by example, fighting for the gold medal and we wish him all the success in the world, which he richly deserves."
Earlier, Taoiseach Brian Cowen congratulated Barnes and Sutherland on their bronze medals, saying Ireland was proud of them.
"Darren's performance inside and outside of the ring while representing Ireland was exceptional and something that his family can be very proud of," Mr Cowen said. "To win an Olympic medal is a highlight of any career, and Paddy can be proud of how well he fought to reach today's semi-final and he deserves his success."
Mr Cullen said Sutherland had shown "extraordinary focus, skill and determination" in winning the bronze, while Barnes had "secured himself a place in Irish sporting history".
At their home in Navan, Co Meath, Sutherland's family said they were proud of Darren for winning a bronze medal and were already planning a homecoming party for next week.
“He said he was going to go in there and give it his best, and he gave it his all. The fight DeGale fought today was a completely different fight than in the past,” said his father Tony. “But that’s how boxing goes. Sometimes you can get it right on the night, and sometimes it doesn’t go right.”
Tony watched the morning fight at home with his wife Linda, daughters Nicole (19) and Shaneika (17) and about a dozen relatives and friends. Tricolour bunting was strung out from the upstairs windows, and hardly a murmur could be heard in their Navan housing estate until the final bell rang out in Beijing.
“We’re proud of him for getting a bronze medal – even getting to the Olympics was his goal. He got there, he done his best, and we love him to bits,” Tony said.
Asked what he would say to his son when they got to speak, he replied: “Love him. Absolutely love him to bits. One loss is not the end of the world… You can’t win them all.”