MBE award for Paddy Barnes

Belfast boxer Paddy Barnes has described himself as “a proud Irish sportsman” after accepting an MBE in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honours list.

Barnes has twice won Olympic bronze medals for Ireland and claimed gold for Northern Ireland in the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The light flyweight was enveloped in controversy following this year’s medal ceremony in Glasgow when he said Northern Ireland’s unofficial anthem Danny Boy was not his.

The 27-year-old said tonight: “I am a proud Irish sportsman, a proud sportsman from Belfast and I take great pride in representing everyone in Ireland, north and south, in whatever way I can.

“If my achievements in boxing can inspire others and people can be united through sport, then my efforts will have been worthwhile.”

Barnes, who has his sights firmly fixed on the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, added: “I am pleased to have been recognised in the Queen’s honours list for 2015 for my contribution to the sport of boxing and for my contribution to work in this community.

“This recognition also acknowledges my success in the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014 in India and Scotland respectively.

“I am pleased to accept it on behalf of boxing, my community, coaches, friends and family, who have supported my career from the first frustrating youth defeats to medal success on Olympic and Commonwealth stages.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported me in any way over the years and, as always, I will do my utmost to honour the faith and belief that you have had, and continue to have in me.

“I wish everyone a happy and successful 2015.”