Gardaí investigating terrifying and 'abhorrent' violent incident at national boxing tournament

Gardaí are investigating a serious violent incident which occurred at a national boxing tournament in Roscommon on Friday night.

The Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) has condemned the incident at the National Boy 4 Boxing Championships as "abhorrent".

A number of men wielding sharp instruments entered Castlerea Boxing Club during Friday night's quarter-finals. Violence broke out before the men fled the scene. 

In a statement released on Friday night, the IABA said they were "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.

"Gardaí are investigating," the statement added.

The IABA has moved to reschedule the remaining two days of boxing.

"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," the statement concluded.