Ní Chuilín congratulates Michael Conlan on European gold

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Belfast boxer Michael Conlan on winning gold at the European Elite Championships.

Michael defeated Great Britain's Qais Ashfaq in the final in Samokov, Bulgaria.

Congratulating Michael on his achievement, the Minister said: “I am delighted that Michael Conlan has secured a European bantamweight championship gold, going one better than the last time he competed in this competition in 2013, when he took silver. Michael is yet again showing what an inspiration he is to young athletes, especially boxers.

“Boxing is a sport that is accessible to all and particularly offers opportunities to people from marginalised communities to develop their fitness and, in turn, their overall mental health and wellbeing.

“Michael is a credit to his club, to his local community, and to the north as a whole. He can look ahead to the Rio Olympics next year with confidence.”

The Minister also congratulated Westmeath fighter Joe Ward on taking gold in the light heavyweight section and Dean Walsh of Wexford on securing bronze at light welterweight.

She said: “The whole Irish team has performed strongly in these championships. It is great to see boxers from right across the island bringing home medals. Well done to the whole team and to all the coaches, staff and of course the families and friends who support the boxers all year round.”

Sports Minister congratulates local boxers

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Carl Frampton and Conrad Cummings on their wins in Texas tonight.

Carl Frampton successfully defended his IBF World Super-bantamweight title in a really close fight against Alejándro González Jr and Conrad Cummings also defeated Mexican Oscar Riojas in El Paso.

The Minister said:  “Huge congratulations to Carl Frampton and Conrad Cummings on their wins tonight in El Paso.  Our local boxing stars are continuing to shine and do us proud.  Hopefully, tonight will be the start of a great career and exposure in America for Carl and Conrad.

“Carl showed great skill and determination throughout a tough fight.  González Jr pushed Frampton hard but Carl was rewarded at the end of twelve rounds by retaining his world title.  Conrad defeated Riojas in the 2^nd round.

“Carl Frampton and Conrad Cummings, along with other local boxers, are a real inspiration to young people and have encouraged them to visit their local clubs and try out the sport. Once again congratulations to Conrad and to Carl, who is returning home still Super-bantamweight World Champion.”

Notes to editors:

    Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Communications Office by telephoning 028 9051 5047 or email communications@dcalni.gov.uk. For out of office queries please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

Robinson and McGuinness congratulate Frampton on Titanic Showdown win

First Minister the Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have congratulated Carl Frampton on his win in tonight’s Titanic Showdown making him the IBF World Super Bantamweight champion.

The event in which Carl Frampton challenged Spain’s Kiko Martinez for the IBF World Super Bantamweight Title, was the largest boxing match ever to be staged in Northern Ireland. With an audience of over 16,000 people, a number of local boxers including Marc McCullough, Eamonn O’Kane, Jamie Conlon and Conrad Cummings took to the ring prior to the Frampton – Martinez bout.


Congratulating Carl Frampton on his victory the Ministers said: “Carl has dedicated his life to becoming world champion and everyone will be delighted that he has fulfilled that tonight. This was not just a great night for boxing but also for Belfast as images of the contest were beamed around the globe as our local boxers continue to deliver on the world stage.


“Winning a World Title is an exceptional achievement and being victorious on home soil in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter makes it even more special both for Carl and his many supporters. Carl has made considerable sacrifices to reach this level combining raw talent with an immense work ethic and we wish him continued success.


“We are very proud of his achievements and congratulate his manager Barry McGuigan and trainer Shane McGuigan for their contribution to Carl’s sporting career.”


Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: “Tonight’s world championship fight not only showcased the boxing talent of Carl Frampton, it also showcased Titanic Belfast to an international audience in over 90 countries. The purpose built arena with the iconic Titanic Belfast as a backdrop was a fitting stage for this much anticipated contest.


“And while Carl is our newest World Champion after his tremendous performance in the ring tonight, we have proven once again that Northern Ireland is a world beater when it comes to hosting major events.”


Congratulating Carl on his win, Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Carl had an excellent fight tonight against Spaniard Kiko Martinez and he is now the IBF World Super Bantamweight champion.


“Carl is now a world champion and continues on the North’s proud tradition of boxers with his 19th win of his professional career.


“I also want to pay tribute to Carl’s family, manager and trainer who also have played their part in tonight’s win. We know that boxing, and sport of any kind, can help to improve our physical and mental wellbeing. Carl is a role model that so many young men and women can look up to and everyone is the north should be proud of his achievements."

Robinson and McGuinness congratulate McIlroy on Open success

First Minister Rt Hon Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have congratulated Rory McIlroy on becoming the 2014 Open Golf Champion.

The Ministers said: "We congratulate Rory on becoming the 2014 Open Champion. He has delivered a golfing masterclass over the last four days at Royal Liverpool.

"Having won three Majors, Rory now joins golfing greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win three majors by the age of 25. Rory is an exceptionally talented golfer and with his strong work ethic, he will undoubtedly go on to achieve many more great wins in his career.

"Rory is a fine ambassador for Northern Ireland. We are all very proud of his achievements and hopefully he can carry this rich vain of form into the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September."