Boxer Barnes ‘Brilliantly Refreshing’ says NI

Belfast boxing hero Paddy Barnes has certainly enjoyed a fantstic summer. Not only did the 25 year old have an incredible London 2012 Olympics, he also made history by becoming the first boxer from Northern Ireland to win consecutive Olympic medals, and to round it all off he has now been named as Carling’s most ‘Brilliantly Refreshing’ personality.

It fell to Gavin Bates from Molson Coors to deliver the good news to Paddy, who in turn decided that Gavin deserved an impromtpu sparring session - can you tell who won? 

In Carling's poll Paddy beat of some stiff competition from the Godfather of Punk, Terri Hooley, the star of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit, James Nesbitt, broadcaster Stephen Nolan, comedian Paddy Kielty and the World’s number one golfer, Rory McIlroy – to name but a few.

The nationwide survey sought to identify Northern Irish personalities who are famous for their open, unique and sometimes controversial views. The announcement of the survey results heralds the launch of Carling’s new ‘Have the Next One on Us’ campaign that is running in participating pubs across Northern Ireland.

Commenting on being named Carling’s most ‘Brilliantly Refreshing Personality’ Paddy Barnes said, “I’m really chuffed to know that people see me as refreshing! I went to the Olympics to compete but also to enjoy the experience. I had a ball, met some fantastic athletes (Usain Bolt was something else) and did my best to represent my country and the sport of boxing.

“The support I received during the Games was amazing and certainly gave me a boost. I’d like to thank everyone who supported me. London 2012 was an experience that I’ll never forget.”