THE MAYOR of Galway Cllr Pádraig Conneely has apologised on behalf of the people of the city to former Olympic boxer Francis Barrett over his treatment at a nightclub earlier this week.
Mayor Conneely (FG) said that Mr Barrett was an “international figure” who had “brought great pride to the city, and he was very disappointed to hear that he had been refused access to a hostelry earlier this week”.
Mr Barrett, who carried the tricolour for Ireland at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, said he feels like “quitting Galway forever” over his treatment as a member of the Travelling community.
An English businessman and boxing promoter who witnessed the incident said he was “sickened” by the treatment of Mr Barrett. Keith Walker had invited Mr Barrett in for a drink in a premises close to Eyre Square on Tuesday last, but a bouncer refused access on the basis of “dress code”.
Mr Barrett said it was the fourth time he had this experience since returning home from England eight months ago.
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