Olympic boxer refused entry to nightclub
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Friday January 23 2009
The boxer who carried the Tricolour at the opening of the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 says he is considering leaving Galway after being being refused entry to a nightclub in the city.
The Galway Traveller Movement is investigating the incident after boxer Francis Barrett says he was denied entry to a nightclub on Tuesday night.
A boxing promoter who witnessed Francis Barrett being refused entry to the unnamed nightclub said he was disgusted by the incident.
"Ironically, this was on the same night that President Barack Obama spoke of overcoming racism in his inauguration speech," said English boxing promoter Keith Walker.
Regret
The Galway Traveller Movement said that the incident involving Mr Barrett was regrettable for a city which "hails itself as inclusive".
Mr Barrett came back from England to live in Galway with his family during the summer.
But he said he had encountered four incidents where he was refused entry to premises since his return. However, he said the recent incident was the most humiliating and he was considering leaving Galway.
"Three months after the Olympic Games, myself and my brother were refused entry to a premises but I would have hoped things would have changed in 12 years," he said.
He said he knew many members of the Traveller community who do not go out because they fear the embarrassment of being refused entry. He said he intends to consult with legal advisers about the incident.
- John Fallon