In a statement released last night, Paddy Barnes spoke about being awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's honours list.
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.
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.
It's hard to ignore the fact that Barnes has received flak online for accepting the honour, but others, including Michael Conlon, have defended him.
Congrats @paddyb_ireland that good at boxing another country wanna give you an award!!! Lol #fairplay #mbe #sirpat
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) December 30, 2014
Fair play @paddyb_ireland or should that be Sir....Don't mind the begrudgers. Tell HRH we were asking for her..
— Liam Aherne (@laherne95) December 31, 2014
Great to see Paddy Barnes receiving an MBE. He has made a terrific contribution to the sporting life of Belfast.
— john kyle (@cllrjohnkyle) December 31, 2014
