LAST UPDATE | 2 Mar

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING scenes of serious violence which occurred at the National Boy 4 Boxing Championships in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, on Friday.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association has condemned the incident as “abhorrent” and suspended the remainder of the U14 national championships which were due to conclude over the weekend.

Several males, at least three of whom wielded sharp instruments, entered Castlerea Boxing Club during Friday’s quarter-finals. It is believed they were looking for another male.

Violence broke out for almost a minute before the intruders fled the scene, with Gardaí confirming in a statement that “a male, aged in his 40’s, received medical treatment at the scene and was later conveyed to Galway University Hospital for treatment for serious injuries, believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.”

A statement released on Friday night by the IABA said that the association “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,” the IABA added.

“Gardaí are investigating. 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.”

A statement from Gardaí continued: “Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of an incident of alleged assault, which occurred at a leisure premises in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, on the evening of Friday 1st March 2024.

“Investigations are ongoing. No further information is available at this time.”