merrion street

The Taoiseach has congratulated Ray Moylette and Joe Ward on their outstanding achievement in winning gold at the European Boxing Championships in Ankara, Turkey.

"This is an outstanding achievement. I am delighted for Ray Moylette and his family who I have known for many years and I have followed Ray's progress in boxing since he was a child. I sent him a text after the semi-final telling him to believe in himself and that he would finish the job if he did. His European gold is a wonderful achievement and makes him a proven contender for a shot at an Olympic title.

I wish him and Joe Ward every success in the future. Joe’s grit and determination led him to a decisive victory at his first major championship as a senior international boxer and his great win heralds a very bright future. I would also like to pay tribute to the Irish boxing authorities who have achieved a standard of excellence in recent years which is shown in the many medals won at European, World and Olympic level. Irish boxing continues to punch above its weight and is a credit to all."