John Cooney: Funeral on Valentines Day for 28-year-old injured while defending his Celtic super-featherweight title in Ulster Hall
Funeral details have been released for John Cooney, who never recovered from injuries sustained during a boxing match at the Ulster Hall on February 1.
He was injured when defending his Celtic super-featherweight title against Nathan Howells.
He was rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital after an assessment by a medical team.
The fighter remained there, undergoing surgery, before passing away at the weekend.
A book of condolences was opened in tribute to the fighter in Ulster Hall on Monday.
Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan show, Mr Cooney’s manager Mark Dunlop said: “Every fighter knows the dangers – but no one thinks it’s going to come to their door.”
The funeral notice in RIP.ie says: “John, Irish super-featherweight boxer, 28 years.
"In his 29th year, John took his final breath following a tragedy which has left all those who loved him dearly heartbroken.
"He will be forever missed by his parents Hughie and Tina, much loved and adored fiancée Emmaleen and brothers Conor and Aaron.
"Deeply mourned and very sadly missed also by his grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, his many relatives and friends at home, abroad and in the wider boxing community.
"Tomorrow is never promised'
"Rest in Peace John
Gone but never forgotten".
It adds that his funeral will take place on Friday 14 February, 2025.
‘Requiem Mass will be celebrated for John at the Church of St. John the Apostle, Knocknacarra, Galway (H91 W0H4) on arrival to the Church at 12 noon. Following Mass, John will be laid to rest in Rahoon Cemetery’.
A book of condolences has opened this morning at the Ulster Hall after the tragic death of of 28-year-old Irish boxer John Cooney.
His death was announced on Saturday in a statement published by his promoter Mark Dunlop, on behalf of the Cooney family and his fiancee, Emmaleen.
“After a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away,” the statement said.
“Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancee Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.
“He was a much loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John ‘the Kid’ Cooney.”
John Cooney, from Galway, had been treated at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital after his defeat to Welshman Nathan Howells at the Ulster Hall last Saturday.
A statement last Monday said he was in intensive care.
The bout, Cooney’s first defence of the Celtic super-featherweight title, was stopped in the ninth round.
He underwent surgery after it was discovered he had an intracranial haemorrhage, also known as a bleed on the brain.
Mark Dunlop, Mr Cooney's manager, said the death of the super-featherweight fighter was a "complete tragedy".
"As much as it is a dangerous sport, the fatalities are rare, but they are there," Mr Dunlop said.
He described Mr Cooney as being a "great character" and having a "big future" ahead of him.