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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