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Barnes and Minister Ring. INPHO/Morgan Treacy

‘What a clown!’ – Barnes hits back at Minister Ring over funding

The Olympic bronze medallist is unhappy with the minister’s claims that he should be grateful for the financial assistance he receives.

PADDY BARNES HAS countered the verbal jabs thrown his way by Minster for Sport Michael Ring.

The Minster defended the funding allocated to the Irish Amateur boxing after Barnes had suggested he could be forced to turn professional because of funding and 1970s style training facilities.

Indeed Ring went as far as to suggest Barnes should be grateful for the money he received from the Irish ‘taxpayer’ before wishing the Irish amateur legend and IABA fighter best of luck in his pro career.

“When I came into office in 2011 the government allocated €1.2 million to make sure facilities could be upgraded nationwide,” the minister said.

“This year boxing received an additional €1 million apart from the money it receives from the Irish Sports Council.”

“Moreover, I hope he does as well as a professional boxer as he did with the Irish Sports Council, because he has received a substantial amount of money from taxpayers.”

He might be a puncher of note, but Barnes didn’t take the criticism on the chin and the outspoken Belfast fighter hit back in typical fashion.

“If Minister Ring is saying the IABA are well-funded and we have training in a 1970s unhygienic gym then someone needs to ask questions,” Barnes said.

Minister Michael Ring hasn’t a clue. I haven’t went professional and amateur boxing gets terrible funding, typical bull*****er! What a clown!

“You’re right I have received a lot of taxpayers’ money for the sport I’m in, you have received more than me though and you have nothing to show for it. I’ve two Olympic medals, all you have is a clean suit and a big bank balance!”

*Reproduced with permission from irish-boxing.com – you can follow them on Twitter@irishboxingcom

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