Boxer Paddy Barnes says he is pleased to have been recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.
The Belfast fighter has been awarded an MBE for his contribution to his sport, which includes winning a second Commonwealth gold in the light flyweight division earlier this year.
Barnes says he takes great pride in representing everyone in Ireland, north and south.
“I am pleased to have been recognised in the Queen’s honours list for 2015 for my contribution to the sport of boxing and for my contribution to work in this community,” said Barnes - a two-time Olympic bronze medal winner - in a statement on his website.
“This recognition also acknowledges my success in the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014 in India and Scotland respectively.
“I am a proud Irish sportsman, a proud sportsman from Belfast, and I take great pride in representing everyone in Ireland, north and south, in whatever way I can.
“If my achievements in boxing can inspire others and people can be united through sport, then my efforts will have been worthwhile.”
Another Belfast-linked Olympian, Mary Peters, has become only the second sportsperson after Sebastian Coe to named as a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour.
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