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Sunday World
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Sunday World
Bernard Dunne opens up on his wife being diagnosed with ‘aggressive cancer'
'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.' Irish boxing legend Bernard Dunne has revealed his wife Pamela was diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of cancer following the Tokyo Olympics. The former world champion had been in the Japanese capital as part of his former role as the Irish Amateur Boxing Association's (IABA) high performance director. And while it was a successful Olympic Games for the Irish boxers – with Kellie Harrington becoming the ninth Irishperson to win a gold medal – Dunne was met with difficult news upon his return to Ireland. After the Games was done and dusted, he returned home to discover his wife Pamela was facing a difficult battle with cancer. Bernard Dunne and his wife Pamela. Photo: Sportsfile News in 90 Seconds - Thursday, July 31 The Dubliner has opened up on that difficult journey but was glad to reveal that Pamela is doing 'fabulous now' after overcoming the initial diagnosis. Speaking ahead of the annual Hurling for Cancer charity match, he said: '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. "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.' Bernard Dunne gets a kiss from his wife Pamela. Photo: Sportsfile The couple have been married since 2004 and share two children together, daughter Caoimhe and son Finn. The 45-year-old hung up his gloves in 2010 but enjoyed a hugely successful professional career that saw him win 28 of his 30 bouts as well as claim the WBA Super Bantemweight title in 2009. Following his retirement, Dunne headed up the high-performance unit within the IABA before departing from the role in the summer of 2022. He then went on to serve a similar role with the Boxing Federation of India but resigned from the position prior to the Paris Olympics in 2024. The annual Hurling for Cancer fundraiser is set to take place on Monday, August 18 and will feature a slew of big names taking a crack of the ash at Cullen Park in Carlow. The likes of TJ Reid, Danny Mullins, Rachael Blackmore, and Ursula Jacob are all set to be involved. The initiative has been going since 2011 and the event has helped raise almost €1.7 million towards funding over 100 cancer researchers across Ireland.
Extra.ie
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Bernard Dunne opens up on wife's cancer diagnosis
Irish boxing legend Bernard Dunne has shared how he learned of his wife's cancer diagnosis the day after he returned from the 2021 Olympics. The former two-time World champion was the High Performance Director for the IABA [Irish Athletic Boxing Association] during the Olympic stint which saw Kellie Harrington claim Gold in the Womens 60kg contest. The Dublin native resigned from his position in 2022 following an employment dispute, but has said watching Kellie Harrington win Gold at the Olympics is his proudest boxing moment. Irish boxing legend Bernard Dunne has shared how he learned of his wife's cancer diagnosis the day after he returned from the 2021 Olympics. Pic: INPHO/Tommy Dickson As the 45-year-old opens up on his wife, Pamela's cancer diagnosis, take a look inside the personal life of the boxing icon. The Clondalkin boxer won 13 Irish titles as an amateur boxer but never managed to qualify for the Olympics. Bernard turned professional in 2001, training under legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach in the Wild Card Boxing Gym in the United States of America. After his first 14 wins, Bernard returned to Ireland where he trained under Brian Peters — the man who currently manages Katie Taaylor. Dunne famously took on Spaniard Kiko Martinez at a sold-out Point Theatre for the European super bantamweight title which resulted in a huge shock when Martinez knocked the Dubliner out in the first 86 seconds of the bout. Bernard Dunne takes a right from Kiko Martinez during the first round of their fight in 2007. Pic: David Maher/Sportsfile After the defeat, he became 'ruthless' about his nutrition and hydration. His attention turned to becoming world champion against Ricardo Cordoba, which he did in 2009. Dunne retired from professional boxing in 2010, and was later joined the IABA as the High Performance Director. He departed the role after five years following controversy within the IABA. The former two-time World champion was the High Performance Director for the IABA [Irish Athletic Boxing Association] during the Olympic stint which saw Kellie Harrington claim Gold in the Womens 60kg contest. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Bernard Dunne has been married to Pamela Rooney since January, 2004, with the pair sharing two children — Caoimhe and Finn. This week, Bernard opened up on Pamela's cancer diagnosis, revealing he learned of her illness the day after he returned from the Tokyo Olympics. He said: '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 has been married to Pamela Rooney since January, 2004, with the pair sharing two children — Caoimhe and Finn. Pic: INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan 'We've had it in my family with my wife. I found out the day I came home from the Olympic Games.' The father-of-two noted that Pamela's cancer was 'aggressive' but she was fortunately 'fabulous now.' The former boxer was talking ahead of the annual Hurling For Cancer charity match, which has been running since 2011 and has raised more than €1.6m. The 2025 event takes place next month, on Monday, August 18 at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Boxing legend Bernard Dunne reveals wife's diagnosis with ‘aggressive' cancer after Olympics and gives health update
BERNARD DUNNE revealed he found out his wife was diagnosed with cancer a day after he returned from the 2021 Olympics. The former IABA High Performance Director was with Team Ireland in Tokyo as 2 Bernard Dunne will be involved in the Hurling For Cancer charity game Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 He revealed his wife was diagnosed with cancer Credit: Sportsfile When he got home, however, the Dubliner got the shock news that his wife Pamela had been diagnosed with the condition but is, thankfully, "fabulous now". He said: '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. '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. Read More on Boxing '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. Most read in Boxing "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!' Katie Taylor shares inspirational message to British & Irish Lions The former professional Hurling For Cancer charity match. The annual fundraiser was the brainchild of horseracing's Since 2011, it has raised over €1.6million and has funded 100 cancer researchers each year and is hoping to pass the €2million mark this year. The 2025 iteration will take place at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow on Monday, August 18. Alongside Dunne, fellow Irish sporting icons And Dunne encouraged people to give what they can towards a worthy cause. Tickets for the event are priced at €10 for adults and €5 for children and can be purchased at selected Centra and SuperValu . Recently retired jockey Blackmore said: '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.' Mullins, whose Galway Races said: 'I'm one of the lucky few who hasn't had cancer knock on our door yet, but you know inevitably that it's going to come at some stage, and you want to do your bit. "It's a really great evening of fun but for a very serious cause.'
The Irish Sun
23-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Heartfelt tributes pour in after sad death of ‘proud and passionate' legend of Irish boxing
FORMER Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) president Breandán Ó Conaire has passed away. The Portmarnock native was awarded the IABA President's Award in 2023 for his incredible contribution to Irish boxing. Advertisement 2 The former Chairman of the World Boxing Championships Committee during the launch of the World Amateur Boxing Championships 2001 2 Breandán watching the semi-finals of the Irish National Boxing Championships in 2000 Breandán helped bring the World Amateur Boxing Championships to Ireland in 2001 for the first time, having held only the European Amateur Boxing Championships in 1947. The TG4 TV boxing analyst also played a huge role in bringing Cuban boxing coach Cruz introduced Cuban boxing techniques and a focus on mental preparation to the Irish team, which resulted in Irish success at the Barcelona Olympics, where Michael Carruth won gold and Wayne McCullough won silver. Breandán was also a lecturer in St. Patrick's College ran by Dublin City University for 37 years, retiring in 2007 as head of Roinn na Gaeilge (the Irish department). Advertisement Read more on Irish sport He was a big advocate for the Irish language and was a specialist in Irish literature, cultural history and Irish boxing history. The IABA Hall of Famer was also a former Chairman and Member of European (EABA) Referees & Judges Commission, former Secretary of AIBA Technical & Rules Commission and Member of EABA Youth Commission. President of the IABA Anto Donnelly spoke highly of Ó Conaire's legacy lasting impact on Irish boxing through his incredible work over the years. He said: 'Breandán was a proud, passionate advocate for our sport. Advertisement Most read in Boxing Exclusive Exclusive "He was a stabilising, pioneering leader during a very difficult period in Irish boxing's lifetime. "His contribution to officiating at domestic, European and World level was an extraordinary one, leaving a lasting legacy for fairness and boxer safety. Tyson Fury leaps to Daniel Dubois' defence after Oleksandr Usyk defeat "This is a very sad day for the Boxing community and more so for Breandán's family, to whom he was devoted – we extend to them our deepest condolences on their profound loss' The Irish boxing legend passed away peacefully at Swords Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family. Advertisement
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Wexford boxing legend disappointed Katie Taylor's trilogy fight is taking place in New York – ‘The biggest let down for me is that she's not been able to have a show in Croke Park'
Having worked extensively with Bray boxer Katie Taylor Billy said she is an inspirational figure to everyone in Ireland. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Katie Taylor will take on Puerto Rican fighter Amanda Serrano in a trilogy fight at Madison Square Gardens New York, in what could be her last ever fight. Having achieved his dream of representing Ireland at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 Billy is not all that comfortable with the idea that he is a better boxing coach than he was a boxer. 'As a boxer I didn't achieve what I wanted to achieve. Those things which I didn't achieve, I have achieved them as a coach' he said And Billy who resigned from the Irish High Performance Unit, before being brought to the US by his friend and Cork man Finbarr Kirwan, is arguably the best in the world. 'I first met Katie Taylor when she was a young lady. There was no female boxing. Now its strange, but at the time, women didn't box.' But Katie was a unique person. She made such an impression on the likes of Billy and Gary Keegan who was the then IABA performance director that she was admitted into the high performance unit when female boxing wasn't on the Olympic programme. Katie's upcoming trilogy fight against Amanda Serrano will provide a final opportunity for two of the best female boxers in history to go fist to fist. Their fight last year was the most viewed women's pro sporting event in US history. This match will be the first ever all women's card and it will be broadcast live around the world on Netflix. Katie described headlining an all-female fight card as 'the proudest moment of my whole career". Billy is not surprised that Katie is unfazed by it all. He remembers being in her corner for her gold medal win in London at 2012 Olympic games. 'The pressure she was under was unbelievable. The arena was full and 90 per cent of the people in it were Irish. I don't know how they all got tickets. The hairs were standing up on the back of my neck as I walked around to get her hands wrapped. I went 'wow'. And she was just nodding her head as if she was going for stroll.' For Billy, where women's boxing has come from during Katie's career makes it all the more remarkable. In 2007, the men's world championships were held in Chicago. The International Olympic Committee at the time were considering putting female boxing on the programme ADVERTISEMENT 'They put Katie on the undercard at those championships, she fought a Canadian that day. After that fight the IOC decided that female boxing would be in the 2012 games because of the quality and skillset she brought to the table.' Billy and Katie both have birthdays in July, with one day between them. The two send a text to each other every year. Katie is now 39 years old, and Billy thinks this could be her last fight before she hangs up the gloves. 'The biggest let down for me and Katie Taylor is that she's not been able to have a show in Croke Park, he said. And Katie has always wanted to have a 'homecoming' fight in Ireland. 'I think it's a shame that we have not been able to honour our best athlete the way we should do.' Katie's British promoter Eddie Hearn understands the importance of Croke Park's place in Irish culture and to Katie. There were discussions about hosting the trilogy fight at Croke Park and stadium director Peter McKenna was keen, but he said 'the real issue here is security costs,' after the opportunity was lost. Billy went on to explain the value of a homecoming fight. 'It's where the people of Ireland can go and express their gratitude to her and what she has done over her past 20 years of dominance. People should pay homage to that and let her know how we feel about everything she has done.'
