Tributes paid to former Leitrim All-Ireland boxing champion who died tragically in Sligo road crash

Tributes have been paid to Dromahair’s Oran Gethins after the former All-Ireland boxing champion passed away tragically in a road traffic accident in Sligo early on Saturday morning.

Sean McDermott Boxing Club and Manorhamilton Rangers FC led the tributes to their former fighter who was crowned All-Ireland champion in the Boy 3 52 kg class in 2016 after news broke of his passing in an accident at  Rathbraughan on the outskirts of Sligo town.

Sean McDermott Boxing Club wrote on their Facebook page: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of club member Oran Gethins. Oran started with us when he was seven years old and was a pleasure to train, always willing to learn and was a very respectful young lad inside and outside the ring.

“He won an Irish title for the club in 2016. His father Sandy is also a coach of our junior class. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his dad Sandy, mum Maeve and younger brother Zac and  also to the extended Gethins and Gallagher family at this heartbreaking time, Rest in peace champ  .”

Manorhamilton Rangers, with whom Oran played in the Sligo Leitrim Leagues, wrote on Facebook: “A post we’re struggling to write as we try to come to terms with the devastating loss of a true gent and one of the best players to have come through our club. We learned of Oran’s tragic death earlier today. We are all still numb with disbelief. We had the pleasure to watch Oran grow and develop as a player and a fine young man. We had the pleasure to coach and watch him excel on the football field. He brought many a smile to our faces and he always gave his all for the club .

“Strangely during the week a post came up on the club's memories of the article shown below where Oran Gethins scored a hatrick against Balisadare to win us the U15 league coming from 2/0 down. It reminisced some great times we had. There was an enormous sense of pride that day which epitomised his fighting spirit to the end. His debut for the senior team was no different and he scored as he always did. Hard to believe we will not see his cheeky smile again.

"Our thoughts are with Zach, Meave and Sandy and all the extended Gethins and Gallagher families at this time. Rest in peace Oran. You gave Daithi Cummins and me some cherished memories. ”

Now living in The Woodlawns, Ballytivnan but originally from Rockvalley, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim, Oran is survived by his parents Andrew and Maeve; brother Zach; grandparents Frank & Sheila and Mary & Tommie, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends.

Eamon Gilligan of Sean McDermott Boxing Club wrote on Facebook: “An exceptional young man who was a very successful member of the Sean Mc Dermott Boxing Club and was the recipient of a special award at our recent celebration ceremony in our Community Centre last weekend.”

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Club Coach James McDowell wrote: “Unbelievable tragedy. Great lad and a pleasure to have in the club Rip champ. So sorry for Sandy and family” while another former Sean McDermott All-Ireland Champion and club coach James Kelly said “Can’t believe this has happen Oran was a true champ in the ring and outside the ring rest in peace champ.”

World Youth Olympic and European medalist and fellow Sean McDermott club member Dearbhla Rooney said “Rest in peace Oran, sending my condolences to the family” while Maeve Clarke wrote “Saddest news I've ever heard. Poor wee Oran. Such a lovely lad, and a great little boxer. Prayers to heaven for Oran and all his family. Heartbreaking news.”

Oran Gethins pictured in 2016 on his homecoming to the Glencar Manorhamilton White Collar Boxing Tournament after he won the All Ireland Boy (3) 52 kg title. Oran (centre) is pictured with Sean McDermott Boxing Club members (from left): Martha McGuinness, James McDowell, his father Sandy, Shannen McGuinness, John Gilligan and James Kelly

Professional boxer and five time Irish champion Eric Donovan wrote “So sorry to hear this sad news. My sincere condolences to all the family and to the club. RIP Oran champ” 

Gardai have appealed to any potential witnesses to the accident to come forward: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a fatal traffic collision in County Sligo on Saturday April 22nd. Gardai at Sligo Garda Station are investigating the single fatal road traffic collision in the early hours of Saturday morning on a local road at Rathbraughan on the outskirts of Sligo town.

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“A male in his early 20s was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased has since been removed to the mortuary at Sligo Hospital where a post-mortem will take place. Anyone with any information can contact Sligo Garda Station on (071)9157000, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666111 or any Garda Station.”