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'Our hearts are broken': Barry McGuigan pays emotional tribute to daughter Danika

The former boxing champion released a short statement on social media this evening.

BARRY MCGUIGAN HAS penned an emotional tribute to his daughter Danika, who passed away last week. 

Danika McGuigan, 33, lost her battle with cancer on 23 July

Danika McGuigan death Danika and Barry McGuigan pictured back in 2008. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

In a statement released this evening, former boxing champion McGuigan said Danika ‘has been a shining light in our family’s lives for the past 33 years’.

“The most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do was to say goodbye to my amazing daughter Nika earlier this week,” he wrote on Twitter.

“She has been a shining light in our family’s lives for the past 33 years.

“Nika was an extremely talented and inspirational young lady who radiated kindness and love.

“Our hearts are broken and we know that life will never be the same again for us.

“However, Nika lives on in so many parts of our lives which we are grateful for.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who sent flowers, cards, Mass cards, Instagram messages, Facebook, Twitter, texts and email messages of condolences and support.

“There are simply too many to answer individually so I want to use this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you, the family greatly appreciate them.” 

Danika McGuigan appeared in RTÉ series Can’t Cope Won’t Cope and had recently finished filming a movie called Wildfire, which was being directed by Cathy Brady. 

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    Mute Glenn k ☘☘
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 9:47 PM

    God love any parent that has to bury their child.heartbreaking.Rip Danika.

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    Mute Justin Healy
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:00 PM

    @Glenn k ☘☘: well said. Can’t even imagine it. RIP and love to The Champ.

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    Mute Mick Murphy
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 9:46 PM

    RIP Talented young actress. Thought she was very convincing and funny in Can’t cope Won’t cope.

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    Mute Means of escape
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:14 PM

    So sorry for the man who brought us so much joy during the depressing 80s

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    Mute Eddie Mc Keown
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:01 PM

    My Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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    Mute tommytukamomo
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:25 PM

    My deepest condolences to those left behind to grieve.
    RIP.

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    Mute LCR
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:38 PM

    Rest in peace Danika, my thoughts are with your heartbroken family ❤️

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    Mute Tom Fahey
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:34 PM

    My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all Barry.

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    Mute vfagan
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:44 PM

    Life will never be the same again. Tragic to have to say goodbye to your girl. Cancer is a hideous disease.

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    Mute Seán Dillon
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 9:59 PM

    Very sad!!! I

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    Mute Oliver Jumelle
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:28 PM

    RIP angel!

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    Mute Patrick Doherty
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 11:16 PM

    Condolences to the Mcguigans. May she Rest In Peace x

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    Mute Martin Brennan
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 11:22 PM

    As a parent I just can’t imagine how u cope my utter condolences to all

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    Mute Anthony Harte
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 10:49 PM

    Stay strong Barry

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    Mute Darragh Brennan
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 11:26 PM

    Desperate sad. May she Rest In Peace

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    Mute Shirley Hollingsworth
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 11:18 PM

    Rip to your wonderful daughter…

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    Mute Michael J Foley
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 11:47 PM

    So sad.

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    Mute Alan Biddulph
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    Aug 3rd 2019, 1:09 AM

    Very sad, condolences to all who knew her.

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    Mute Shirley Hollingsworth
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 11:18 PM

    Rip to your wonderful daughter…

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    Mute DG
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    Aug 2nd 2019, 11:50 PM

    No parent should ever have to bury their kids. RIP

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    Mute Paul Watchorn
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    Aug 3rd 2019, 12:08 AM

    OH. Terrible.

    What happened! Was she unwell?

    As a Dad, I feel terribly saddened.

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    Mute Christina Donnelly
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    Aug 3rd 2019, 4:10 PM

    So very sad. A beautiful young woman. My sincere condolences to the family I buried my precious son at the age of 24. A pain that never goes way. Prayers said for the family.

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    Mute Pl Ster
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    Aug 3rd 2019, 12:57 PM

    The world is less bright today with the loss of this beautiful star Rip
    And my deepest condolences to Barry and all her family .

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    Mute Michael Doyle
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    Aug 3rd 2019, 8:46 PM

    May she rest in peace

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    Mute JeremiahMcDonagh
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    Aug 3rd 2019, 3:04 PM

    What did she die of?

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    Mute Sorcha Ní Shúilleabháin
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    Aug 3rd 2019, 8:17 PM

    @JeremiahMcDonagh: Read the article!!

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