Bernard Dunne opens up on wife's shock cancer diagnosis

Irish Daily Mirror

30-07-2025

Bernard Dunne has opened up on his wife's shock cancer diagnosis, learning the news when he arrived home from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Thankfully, Dunne also added that his wife Pamela is 'fabulous now'.
Former World Champion Dunne was part of the Irish Boxing team to travel to Tokyo for the Covid-disrupted games, and was met with the terrible news that long-time partner Pamela was diagnosed with cancer.
Dunne has teamed up with the Hurling for Cancer Research crew again for 2025 and spoke of the news, and is hoping that they can raise plenty of cash on the day.
'I don't think there's a family in the country, possibly in the world, that has not been impacted by the dreaded C-word,' Bernard Dunne said.
'We've had it in my family with my wife. I found out the day I came home from the Olympic Games. It was aggressive but thankfully she is fabulous now and we enjoy and appreciate every day.
'We need to face everything in life with positivity and the right mindset and that is what this event is all about. It's a real family day, really sociable and great fun. The goodwill, effort and support this gets from everyone across the country, I've honestly never seen anything like it.
'Whatever you can do or give on the night is all that's important. I'm a fighter, not a hurler, so I helped out as an umpire last year. I think the lads were aiming at me, not the posts!' Bernard Dunne, one of the galaxy of Irish sports superstars supporting this year's annual Hurling for Cancer Research game, has disclosed why the event means so much to him. The former WBA super bantamweight world champion revealed that his family has had direct experience of cancer, and that the shocking news came when he least expected it, on his return from the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 where he was the High-Performance Director for Irish boxing.
The annual game has raised a whopping €1.6m over the last 14 years, which goes directly to cancer research, and has its usual stars on show for the game.
Legendary forward TJ Reid will be back again this year.
"I'm involved for 10 years. It's become a very special day in the calendar, especially for the kids who get to meet and get autographs from their heroes, but also because so many people come and it creates so much awareness, especially among men.
'I'm always telling males, especially men over 40, to go and get their bloods done and get their prostate checked. It only takes 10 minutes at your doctor's, and those 10 minutes could potentially save your life.'
Recently retired Rachael Blackmore will also be in attendance: 'I got roped in a few years ago and you couldn't say no because it's such a brilliant evening. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer so it's just a brilliant cause to support and the event is growing every year.'
This year's game takes place at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow on Monday the 18th of August. Adult tickets are €10 while children's tickets are €5 and can be purchased HERE.