Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney tragically passed away at the age of 28, a week after defending his Celtic title in Belfast. Cooney underwent surgery following the fight and remained in a critical condition before his death was confirmed. Tributes poured in from family, friends, and the boxing community, who remembered him as a talented athlete with a bright future.
The family of Irish boxer John Cooney have expressed their profound grief following his untimely death. Cooney, a super-featherweight boxer from Galway, passed away on Saturday, February 8th, just a week after engaging in a bout against Nathan Howells to defend his Celtic title at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. John underwent immediate surgery following the contest but remained in a critical condition throughout the following week.
His manager, Mark Dunlop of MHD Promotions, sadly confirmed his death at the weekend. A book of condolence was opened on Monday in John's honor, and his family attended to pay tribute to the 28-year-old boxer. Speaking to BBC News NI, his aunt Georgina Ivors shared: 'The people are just amazing and we're very touched.' She added that the family is 'just devastated' by John's passing and extended their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. His cousin Julieanne Acciaressi expressed: 'He fought hard all week and they were fantastic.'John's manager, Mark Dunlop, stated that he 'can't blame anybody' and his family 'don't blame anybody' for his passing. He conveyed: 'They loved their son and they came up here to support him. It is devastating, it's just surreal that we are coming here to pay our respects to a guy that was like a family member to me. 'Really we shouldn't be here mourning him, we should really be celebrating him. Every fighter knows the dangers but, like everything, no one thinks it's going to come to their door - if that makes sense. 'In a way we're all ignorant of the fact that it's never going to come to our door. I've been involved in boxing for 40 years. I've never experienced anything like this. I've never even come close to it. As much as it's a dangerous sport, the fatalities are rare - but they're there. It's no worse than horse racing or motorcycle racing. These are dangerous sports. You have to commend every athlete who steps in the ring.' Reflecting on John's legacy, Mark added: 'He deserves all this attention that he's getting. He was a great character, charisma. He had a big future.
JOHN COONEY BOXING CELTIC TITLE FATALITY TRIBUTES
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Irish Boxer John Cooney in Critical Condition After Brain SurgeryGalway-native super-featherweight boxer John Cooney remains in critical condition after undergoing emergency brain surgery following a devastating ninth-round stoppage in Belfast.
Read more »
Irish Boxer John Cooney Fighting for His Life After Brain Injury in Title FightGalway boxer John Cooney is critically injured after suffering a brain hemorrhage during a title fight in Belfast. Fellow Irish athletes, including Barry McGuigan, Michael Carruth, and Conor McGregor, have offered support and donations.
Read more »
Irish Boxer John Cooney Fighting for His Life After Brain Injury in Belfast BoutGalway boxer John Cooney is in critical condition after suffering a severe brain injury during a title fight in Belfast last weekend. Cooney, 28, lost his first professional fight in the ninth round against Nathan Howells and was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he underwent surgery for an intracranial haemorrhage. Irish sporting icons, including Barry McGuigan and Michael Carruth, have expressed their support for Cooney, as has UFC star Conor McGregor who donated £20,000 to a fundraiser for the boxer's recovery.
Read more »
Irish boxer John Cooney dies after suffering brain injury in Belfast boutThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Irish boxer John Cooney dies week on from Belfast title fightThe 28-year-old had been in intensive care following last Saturday’s fight
Read more »
Irish Boxer John Cooney Dies at 28 After Brain Bleed During FightThe boxing world mourns the loss of 28-year-old Irish boxer John Cooney who tragically died following a brain bleed sustained during a fight in Belfast last week.
Read more »