Minister Ring Congratulates Boxers And Gymnasts On Olympic Qualification

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, has congratulated two Irish boxers and gymnasts on qualifying for the Rio Olympic Games.

Minister Ring congratulated Brendan Irvine and David Oliver Joyce on their qualification in Turkey.

"We have a long tradition with boxing and the Olympics and I am delighted for them and the team. As the tournament draws closer, anticipation builds but I just want to wish all the team the best in their preparation and I am sure more will join them on the plane," Minister Ring said.

Brendan Irvine qualified for the flyweight division by beating Bulgarian Daniel Asenov in the European Olympic Qualifiers in Turkey. And David Oliver Joyce qualified for the lightweight division by beating Turkey's Volkan Gokcek.

Minister Ring also congratulated gymnast Kieran Behan on his performance in Brazil which secured his qualification to Rio.

Minister Ring also congratulated gymnasts Kieran Behan and Ellis O'Reilly, who also qualified for the Rio Olympic Games.

Minister Ring said: "I would like to congratulate Ellis on her wonderful performance at the gymnastics qualifier in Rio this morning and in the process becoming the first ever Irish female gymnast to qualify for an Olympic Games.

"It was the final qualifying event for the Games so it makes Ellis' achievement all the more remarkable. It is a huge boost to Irish gymnastics and hopefully will inspire more girls to take up the sport and try to follow in Ellis' footsteps.

"I am sure Ellis' coach, Sam James, and everyone at the Europa Gymnastics Club in London and all her family and friends are immensely proud of her historic achievement.

"It was a fantastic weekend all round for Gymnastics Ireland with Kieran Behan also qualifying for Rio on Saturday and I would like to congratulate the CEO, Ciaran Gallagher, and everyone in the organisation on this success. It is a magnificent achievement for Gymnastics Ireland to have two gymnasts representing Ireland in Rio this summer."

Ms O'Reilly is the first ever Irish female gymnast to qualify for an Olympic Games.

(MH/LM)