Fantastic news overnight all the way from Venezuela as both Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan secured their places for Rio 2016. Barnes needed to beat Finnish fighter Finol Rivas to secure his place and duly did so on a split decision. Conlan had to dispatch Jose Diaz and hope that Magomed Gurbanov lost his bout to Hector Garcia - a turn of events that eventually came to pass.
RIO BOUND! I'm 28 I'll do what I want! #Olympics #teamireland #boxing
— Paddy Barnes (@paddyb_ireland) April 19, 2015
Honestly can't believe what's happened tonight, was almost pulling out of fighting last night when the Russian won, I've now qualified for..
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) April 19, 2015
Rio over a year out along with my team mate and great friend @paddyb_ireland as I always say, what's meant to be, will be!! #riobound #gold
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) April 19, 2015
