PADDY BARNES:THE ATMOSPHERE was expectant yesterday at the Glenpark bar in north Belfast as families and friends of Paddy Barnes, decked out in green, gathered to cheer him on.
The defeat, though tinged with disappointment, has not tarnished the immense sense of pride the north Belfast community feels for its hero.
The 21-year-old Ardoyne boxer had to be content with bronze following his comprehensive defeat by the Chinese world champion and favourite for gold Zou Shiming - the man who had beaten him before.
Even as it became clear that Paddy was not going to prevail, spirits remained high. The crowd of more than 200, many of whom wore T-shirts bearing their hero's face, sang "Olé, Olé, Olé" regardless and waved Tricolours.The crowd leapt to their feet at the final bell applauding the young man's efforts.
Paddy's aunt, Mary O'Reilly, was present to cheer him on. She told The Irish Times of her pride. "He is a young lad and for him to get as far as he has and to achieve as much as he has makes him our hero, no matter what. He is a very good role model especially to the kids in this area as there is not much going for them", she said.
Paddy's grandmother, Phyllis Barnes, was proud and emotional in equal measure. Tearful after the fight, she said: "He still achieved something really great, we are all proud of him. We are already planning a big party for his return home. I'll give him a big hug when he gets back, if he lets me, that is, he's a big lad."
One of Holy Family Boxing Club's famous former members is Hugh Russell, who won bronze at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
"I think Paddy will be most disappointed that he didn't manage to score a point in the fight," he said.
Paddy also earned congratulations from Taoiseach Brian Cowen, and the North's sports minister Gregory Campbell.
"We congratulate Belfast boxer, Paddy Barnes, on winning a bronze medal in the light flyweight division. Wendy Houvenaghel's silver and now Paddy's bronze are fantastic achievements for sport in Northern Ireland," Mr Campbell said.
Family and friends of the boxer say they have no doubt he will bounce back at the 2012 Games in London.