Boxing:Such is the level of confidence in the Irish camp ahead of the forthcoming European Championships, anything less than a five-medal haul in Turkey will be considered something of a failure.
That was the standard set in Russia this time last year (one gold, one silver and three bronze) and the 10-strong team is aiming to at least match that achievement in Ankara.
The team will fly out to Ankara tomorrow, with the tournament due to start on June 16th, and have entered a fighter in all 10 weight divisions.
Paddy Barnes will defend his 49kg title while Darren O’Neill will seek to go one better than the silver he picked up at the Ice Palace in Moscow.
Others, like John Joe Nevin, will feel they have unfinished business at the event having failed to medal in the past while a number of newcomers are ready to make their names on the world stage.
Joe Ward, in the light heavyweight division, was good enough to keep Olympic silver medalist Ken Egan out of the travelling party and Ray Moylette is also considered a serious prospect.
Yet for all the talent in their ranks, the Irish management is taking nothing for granted.
“The European Championships will be very competitive and if we don’t bring our best performance to the table them someone else will take our place, it’s as simple as that really,” explained head coach Billy Walsh today.
“It will undoubtedly be another big challenge for us,” added team manager Des Donnelly. “However, our preparation has been excellent and we have plenty of experience inside and outside the ring to ensure all the team perform to their potential”.
Irish team
49Kg:Paddy Barnes (Holy Family)
52Kg:Michael Conlon (St John Bosco)
56Kg:John Joe Nevin (Cavan)
60Kg:Michael McDonagh (St Mary's)
64Kg:Ray Moylette (St Anne's)
69Kg:Willie McLaughlin (Illies GG)
75Kg:Darren O'Neill (Paulstown)
81Kg:Joe Ward (Moate)
91Kg:Con Sheehan (Clonmel)
91+Kg: Cathal McMonagle (Holy Trinity)