President Higgins sends congratulations to triple European gold medalist Joe Ward

Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins has hailed the “exceptional” Joe Ward following the Moate man’s amazing third European gold.

Light heavyweight Ward added to his 2011 and 2015 European golds with another on Saturday at the Championships in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Antrim duo Brendan Irvine and Kurt Walker claimed double bronze.

The medalists and light welter Sean McComb secured qualification for the World Championships in Hamburg this August on the basis of their performances in Eastern Europe.

It was a great week for the nine-member Irish team, with the three medals ensuring them fourth place in the medals table behind England, the host nation, and Russia.

President Higgins, a big supporter of sports, said today that “I wish to extend my congratulations to Joe Ward on winning gold at the EUBC European Championships in Kharkiv,” said President Higgins.”

”His exceptional performance, along with the outstanding achievements of the Irish team, are an inspiration for many budding athletes, at all levels.”