Veteran boxing figure decries violent incident in Roscommon as 'sad day for Irish boxing'

Legendary boxing administrator and ring announcer Peter O’Donnell described the disgraceful attack at the National Boy 4 Championship quarter-finals in Castlerea, Roscommon last night as a “sad day for Irish boxing”, which saw masked men armed with machetes and slash hooks stormed the U-14 boxing event. 

It’s understood one man was seriously injured in the violent scenes that followed after the men stormed the event but thankfully no children or spectators were harmed. 

O’Donnell has been steeped in the world of boxing his entire life and is one of the most recognisable faces in the boxing halls around the country, having been a founding member of Raphoe ABC in the late 1980s as well as being the first Donegal man elected as a part of the eight-member IABA Central Council. 

Speaking this afternoon, the Raphoe native said that it was the most disgraceful scene he has witnessed in his 62 years of boxing. 

“It was a very sad day for boxing if I’m being honest,” said O’Donnell. “I couldn’t believe what was happening in front of my eyes. 

“There were 30 contests at the event last night, and at the time of the incident there were only two bouts left, a young Donegal man was ready to get into the ring to fight his fight and that’s when the commotion started outside.” 

Violence broke out and the men fled the scene. It is believed they were looking for another male. In a statement, the IABA said it is aware of a serious incident during the final stages of the 2024 National Boy 4 Championship in Castlerea and described the scenes as “abhorrent”.  

“Obviously, there’s different stories going around about who they were or what started it all, I just think for something like that to happen at a children’s event is totally unacceptable and I’m sure the Gardaí will get to the bottom of it,” said O’Donnell. 

“It was a really scary situation. It was coming towards the end of the night, and normally when the majority of the bouts end people might get up to leave, so when the incident happened, luckily, I would say three-quarters of the supporters were gone. Otherwise, it could’ve been a lot worse.  

“I’ve been involved in boxing since 1962 and I’ve never seen an incident like that in my life and I hope I never see something like that again. Those individuals were out to do damage last night, and in front of children, it was just so sad. 

“The competition was obviously cancelled for a later date but unfortunately, it’ll not be back in Castlerea, which is unfortunate because it’s a great venue and they put on a great event.”