McAleese, Cowen congratulate Irish boxers

President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Brian Cowen have congratulate Ireland's Olympic medal-winning boxers, saying they had given Ireland reason to be proud.

Dublin Kenny Egan, who was defeated in the light heavyweight final this morning, won a silver medal, while Belfast's Paddy Barne and Navan's Darren Sutherland secured bronzes.

Mrs McAleese said she was “delighted to learn” of Egan’s silver medal.

“The people of Ireland are uplifted by this outstanding achievement which continues a tradition of Irish Olympic boxing excellence dating back to 1952,” she said.

"This is such a proud moment for Kenny, his family, friends and supporters - a moment in which all of us can gladly share."

Mr Cowen also congratulated the Neilstown man on his performance in this morning's fight.

"Kenny fought a brave fight and gave everything in a wonderful bout of top class boxing," Mr Cowen said. "Not only did Kenny do us proud in the ring but he was also an inspirational captain throughout the whole boxing tournament.

"Kenny and our two other medalists Paddy Barnes and Darren Sutherland can be truly be proud of their achievements. They have done themselves and Ireland proud."

Barnes was on the podium this morning to receive his bronze medal in the light-flyweight division. He was comprehensively beaten in Friday's semi-final by Zou Shiming of China.

Sutherland picked up his bronze yesterday for finishing third in the middleweight division. He lost to Briton James DeGale in his semi-final bout. It was Sutherland’s last fight as an amateur as he moves on to a professional career.

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen said Egan has "crowned a distinguished boxing career" with his silver medal. "As captain of his team, Kenny Egan led from the front, and set a superb example to the rest of the boxing team by applying his vast array of skills and experience to great effect," the minister said.

"For Irish boxers to win three Olympic medals is really a stellar achievement, and today's silver medal victory has further cemented boxing's important position as an Olympic sport and a key sport for Ireland," he said.

Fine Gael’s arts, sports and tourism spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell added her voice to the congratulations but said the "sterling" performance of the Irish boxers came in the context of a “disappointing” Olympics for Ireland.

“There are lessons to be learned for other sports for the pre-Olympic preparation and training programme undertaken by the Irish Boxing Team,” Ms Mitchell said.

Labour's Joan Burton said the three Irish medal winners were "a credit to the country, their clubs, their sport, their families and their communities".

"In a summer that has seen dismal weather and unremitting economic gloom, the achievements of the Irish boxing team has given everyone a badly needed lift," she said.