Celebrations as Gold medal hero Paddy Barnes visits Townlands Boxing Club

Belfast man Barnes, paid a visit to the Glenavy club on Tuesday night, with the boxer having been friends with Townlands Coach Tommy Quinn for many years.

Barnes, the Olympic bronze medallist and European champion, added to his collection by claiming gold in his defeat of defending champion Jafet Uutoni 8-4 in the final at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in Delhi on October 13 - a momentous victory for the light-flyweight as it was Northern Ireland's first gold medal in the ring since 1994.

Boxers at the club, which services the Glenavy and Crumlin areas, were delighted to meet the boxer, with many parents coming along to join in the fun.

Speaking about the visit, Townlands Coach Tommy Quinn said: "I'm actually a friend of Paddy's and when he won bronze in the Olympics I was speaking to him and asked him if he would visit the club and he was more than delighted to, so when he won gold he phoned me and said he'd come up to the club.

"It was a great boost for the kids and it gives them something to aspire to. Paddy Barnes lost his first 14 amateur fights so it shows the kids there is always the chance of coming through."

Tommy added: "There was a big turnout, with plenty of mother's and father's there to see Paddy and the kids were getting photographs and autographs.

"The visit just shows the rewards of training and what you can achieve," said Tommy.

Looking to the future, Tommy said the future is looking bright for the Club.

"Things are going from strength to strength. The club has lifted 17 titles in the last year, Ulster titles, Antrim titles and All-Ireland titles."

Tommy's 16-year-old son Ryan was one of the club's All-Ireland title winners and Tommy revealed that the twice Irish Champion is setting his sights on the 2016 Olympics.

He added: "We are indebted to the Hibs Hall for renting the hall to us and we are currently trying to get the money together to upgrade the toilets and put shower facilities in."

Townlands, which is based in the Hibs Hall in Chapel Road, Glenavy, offers training sessions most nights of the week. The club runs training sessions from 6-7pm for 8-12 year olds and 12 plus from 7-8pm. They also offer ladies keep fit classes on Monday's, Wednesday's, Thursday's and Friday's. Anyone who would like any further information on the club can contact Tommy Quinn on 94454544.