BELFAST boxer Michael Conlan has faced criticism from unionists after his ring entrance song for a bout in New York contained lyrics supporting the IRA.
Conlan (27) entered the ring on St Patrick's Day to the Wolfe Tones song Celtic Symphony, which includes the line, "Ooh ah up the Ra".
Many in the crowd at Madison Square Garden could be heard chanting the lyrics as the Olympic bronze medallist made his way to the ring.
DUP leader Arlene Foster said on Twitter: "Those chanting 'ooh ah up the Ra' should take a moment and read about what IRA done on this day 31 years ago."
Mrs Foster referred to the IRA murder of Gillian Johnston (21), who was killed near Belleek in Co Fermanagh on March 18 1988.
"Not actions worthy of glory. All terrorism was wrong and should be condemned – not glorified," she added.
UUP East Antrim MLA John Stewart also criticised Conlan, who maintained his unbeaten record by defeating Mexico's Ruben Garcia Hernandez – the Belfast boxer's 11th straight win.
"It's time someone told him that walking out to 'Oh ahh up the Ra' is dragging him and the sport into the gutter. Sad," he said.
DUP councillor and former Belfast lord mayor Brian Kingston said: "Disgraceful that he has no regard for the victims of IRA terrorism.
"Very disappointing that Michael Conlan does not follow the lead of many previous boxing and sporting heroes so that people can support him across the divide."
