Ireland's defeated Rio hopeful Michael Conlan offered school medal by young fan

A young Irish boxing fan has offered defeated Olympic hopeful Michael Conlan his school medal.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Aug 2016, 12:45 BST
Updated 17th Aug 2016, 14:25 BST
Ireland's Michael Conlan following his defeat to Vladimir Nikitin of Russia Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan SheridanIreland's Michael Conlan following his defeat to Vladimir Nikitin of Russia Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Ireland's Michael Conlan following his defeat to Vladimir Nikitin of Russia Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The Belfast sportsman departed the Rio Olympics with a foul-mouthed tirade after finding himself on the wrong end of a controversial unanimous decision against Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin in their bantamweight quarter-final on Tuesday.

Ireland’s reigning world champion could not hide his anger when the three judges sided with his opponent after three fast and furious rounds, leaving his dream of building on his bronze medal at London 2012 in tatters.

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Conlan fired expletives during post-fight interviews in Brazil.

Five-year-old Finn McManus and his sister, Lily, aged nine, from Co Dublin, wrote a touching letter to his hero.

“I saw your fight in Rio and you should have won because you are the best.boxer in the world.

“I want you to have my school medal because you are a winner. I hope you like it.”

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Their mother then sent a photo of Finn’s medal and the handwritten letter by private message to Conlan on Facebook

It has been posted more widely on social media.

Conlan was the last Irish boxer standing in the competition after shock early defeats for Paddy Barnes and Katie Taylor, and was expected to move through to the medal rounds again.

The Olympic Council of Ireland has said it does not condone his post-fight comments or conduct and will evaluate the matter before taking any action.

Related topics:IrelandRussiaBelfast