Ireland choose boxer Paddy Barnes as flag bearer

Paddy Barnes of Ireland looks on during his bout against Devendro Singh Laishram of India during the Men's Light Fly (49kg) Boxing quarterfinals on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 8, 2012
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Boxer Paddy Barnes is selected as Ireland's flag bearer for this summer's Olympic Games in Rio.

Boxer Paddy Barnes will carry the Irish flag at this summer's opening ceremony for the Rio Olympics in Brazil.

The 29-year-old has qualified for his third consecutive Games after winning bronze medals in both Beijing in 2008 and London 2012.

PA quotes Barnes as saying: "I'm delighted to have been asked to carry the Irish flag into the Olympic Stadium at the opening ceremony.

"It's an amazing feeling to represent Ireland at an Olympic Games and I've been lucky enough to experience it twice before already.

"Going to my third Olympic Games as the flag bearer for Team Ireland now is just an incredible honour."

Barnes is part of a six-strong Ireland boxing team that has already secured qualification for Rio, which starts in 100 days' time.

Ashley Williams competes against Devendro Liashram of India during the Men's Light Fly 46-49kg Semi-Finals Boxing at Scottish Exhibition And Conference Centre during day nine of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on August 1, 2014
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