Friday 27 August 2010

MASKEY COMMENDS NORTH BELFAST BOXER ON OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL

North Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Maskey has commended the achievement this morning of boxer Ryan Burnett on winning a Gold Medal in the Youth Olympics in Singapore.

Burnett (18 years old), from the Newington area of North Belfast defeated his opponent Salman Alizida from Azerbaijan in the final with a 13-6 points score, becoming the first Irish boxer to win a gold in this the inaugural event.

Praising the success Councillor Conor Maskey said: "This is a wonderful achievement for young Ryan. He can quite proudly put his name up among some of Belfast's boxing history makers like Caldwell, Gilroy and more recently Paddy Barnes who resides in the same club and lives only a few streets away. His family and friends will be absolutely chuffed for him. A special mention should also be paid to his coach Gerry Storey who, once again, has produced a boxing star.

"Ryan's family quite rightly helped steer him on his path up until now and I will consult with them to see if they wish this achievement to be marked at a civic level through Belfast City Council."

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