BOXING:The footprints of boxing in Ireland's Olympic tradition stretch back to 1952 in the modern era. Bantamweight John McNally's silver medal in Helsinki was to pave the way for Fred Tiedt, Tony "Socks" Byrne and Freddie Gilroy and from there the sport never let up.
Ronnie Delany may have stolen hearts and minds four years later in what was then the Blue Riband 1,500m event but it was McNally and the three medals in 1956 that kicked off Ireland’s run of podium finishes that has never quite stopped.
Ireland is a strong boxing nation, with the sport providing more Olympic medals than all of the other sports combined.
Twelve individuals from boxing since 1952 have won medals in boxing. We’ve won 24 overall, counting two in sailing from one boat.
When John Joe Nevin and Darren O’Neil begin their London 2012 campaign this weekend, they will, in the spirit of Carruth, McCullough, Sutherland, Barnes and Egan, expect to advance.
Our clear best contender is Katie Taylor, period. Bronze medallist in Beijing, Barnes has won before and could become the first Irishman to win two medals at two Olympics.
Nevin has done that in two World Championships. O’Neill should be competitive, while flyweight Michael Conlan oozes talent.
Elsewhere Adam Nolan is a southpaw and tall but his experience is limited. He did brilliantly to win his qualifying tournament in Turkey.
Johnny Watterson
VERDICT– Medal prospects
Katie Taylor (women’s lightweight) is the deserved favourite to take gold, while Paddy Barnes (light flyweight) and John Joe Nevin (bantamweight) can also realistically aim for the podium.
