The Irish Amateur Boxing Association has released a statement after a violent incident forced the cancellation of this weekend's National Boy 4 Boxing Championship last night in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.
A man believed to be in his 40s has been seriously injured during terrifying scenes as a major incident occurred, according to local media.
Videos have circulated on social media from the event's livestream that showed men wielding machetes at the event, as chairs were thrown and spectators scrambled for safety.
Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene as a man was injured during the incident and is being treated at Galway University Hospital. A Garda investigation into the incident is now underway.
The National Boxing Championships, which were to conclude this weekend, were subsequently cancelled with no new date announced at time of writing.
In a statement, the Irish Athletic Boxing Association 'roundly condemned' the 'abhorrent' scenes that took place during the underage sporting event.
In a statement released by the IABA last night, the organisation condemned the scenes:
“IABA is aware of a serious incident during the final stages of the 2024 National Boy 4 Championship quarter-finals in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, this evening.
“That such an incident could occur at a children’s sporting event is abhorrent and is roundly condemned by every member of the Irish boxing family. Gardaí are investigating the incident.
“Two more days of boxing were scheduled in to take place in this competition over the weekend. They have been suspended and the remaining days of boxing will be rescheduled
“Understandably, there will be clubs, boxers, officials and supporters at a loss. But in the interest of their safety, there is no option; risk remains too high even if the competition proceeds behind closed doors.”
There's no news yet on when the boxing championships will be rescheduled.
