FRANCIS BARRETT has yet to step inside the ropes at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum, where the boxing bouts will be staged, but he yesterday admitted. "It has been a great Olympics already".
Barrett said. "It will be a very proud moment for me and my family when I carry the Irish flag during the Opening ceremony.
"I haven't managed to contact either my mother or father yet, but I was talking to Chick Gillen, my coach in Galway, and he was nearly crying.
"I feel this is also an honour for the Travelling community. It has been a great Olympics already for me, but I intend to give it everything I have in the ring."
Mickey Hawkins, the Irish team manager, added. "It is a great boost to the boxing team for Francis to carry the flag, just like when Wayne McCullough was chosen in Seoul eight years ago".
Meanwhile, the Irish boxing team have declined to use the practice ring in the complex because it is too small. Instead, they have conducted shadow boxing sessions outside.
"The ring is about four times smaller than the one that will be used in the competition, while the floor surface is too sticky. We have just spent almost seven weeks in Fort Lauderdale preparing, so we can afford to take this approach," said Hawkins.
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