Homecoming: arrangements to be finalised as President leads tributes

PRESIDENT MARY McAleese and Taoiseach Brian Cowen yesterday led the congratulations to Dublin boxer Kenny Egan on his silver medal success in Beijing.

Egan, along with bronze medal-winning boxers Darren Sutherland and Paddy Barnes, and the entire Irish Olympic team, are due to arrive back in Dublin tomorrow evening.

A spokeswoman for Dublin airport said the team was due to arrive on a Lufthansa flight at 5.15pm. She said airport officials would meet staff at the Olympic Council of Ireland today to finalise plans. "There will be a ceremony and a press conference though it will be in a restricted area so it won't be open to the public," she said.

It is understood Minister for Sport Martin Cullen, who has been in Beijing, will travel with the team. He yesterday described the three medals won by the boxing team as a "stellar achievement". He said Egan had set "a superb example to the rest of the boxing team by applying his vast array of skills and experience to great effect".

Mrs McAleese described Egan's silver medal as an "outstanding achievement" which continued a tradition of Irish Olympic boxing excellence dating back to 1952. "This is such a proud moment for Kenny, his family, friends and supporters - a moment in which all of us can gladly share."

Mr Cowen said Egan had fought a brave fight and given everything. "Not only did Kenny do us proud in the ring but he was also an inspirational captain throughout the whole boxing tournament."

Deputy leader of the Labour Party Joan Burton also sent her "warmest congratulations" to the Irish boxing team.