Paul McCullagh: 'He wanted young people to believe in themselves' - Hundreds attend funeral of 'The Irish Drago' who died at 25-years
Hundreds today attended the funeral of 25-year-old Paul McCullagh, also known in the boxing world as ‘The Irish Drago’, who died peacefully in hospital on January 1 after suffering from cancer.
The Belfast boxer died after the toughest fight of his life after fighting an aggressive form of bone cancer.
Tributes continue to flow for the young boxer who was undefeated as a professional and from a family steeped in the sport.
During his 10am Requiem Mass in St. Luke’s Church, Twinbrook, the Very Rev. Nideesh Varhese told mourners that ‘Paul was a beautiful son who gave his silence, love and pride beyond measure’.
Addressing the McCullagh family, the cleric added: ‘boxing shaped his discipline and determination, inspired by his father and grandfather’ adding that the ‘training alongside his grandfather, father, uncles and cousins meant more than titles or victory’.
The west Belfast-based cleric added: ‘Paul embraced family life with pride and seriousness’
‘He wanted young people to believe in themselves. He passed on not the skills but values such as discipline, prospect, confidence and hope.
‘Paul's life was free, a quiet journey through Prayer and close devotion. He trusted God’.
Mourners also heard that ‘when the unfamiliar test of his life came, when Paul was told he had Leukemia’, ‘Paul was not upset because he believed heaven was real, true and beautiful’.
Adding that ‘he fought with courage, he ran his race with integrity, and he kept the faith’, Very Rev. Nideesh Varhese said: ‘Today, on Feast of Epiphany, we remember the light that guided the wise man to Christ. In his own way, he was a light, a light of kindness, a light of joy, a light of faith and love.’
The Ulster amateur champion, Irish international and later professional was the son of Paul and Paula, a loving partner to Yoli, father figure to Dario and a much-loved brother to Shauna, Jemma and Sarah-Louise.
His requiem Mass was held today at 10am in St. Luke’s Church, followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery.
Paying tribute on Facebook ahead of the funeral, Paul McCullagh Sr wrote: “My beautiful son, just tipping the pads. Please watch until the end where his smile just fills the room. My heart will be empty never having that gift again, his amazing smile. Thank you, Lord, for gifting me him as my child. Signed, a super proud father.”
Paul’s late grandfather was also a prominent fighter and coach who mentored world champion Barry McGuigan.
Paying tribute, former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton said it was "heartbreaking" to hear about the passing of the "very talented" McCullagh.
"Deepest sympathies to his Dad, Paul and the rest of his family and friends," he posted on X.
The Irish Amateur Boxing Association said it sent its "deepest condolences to Paul's family, club and loved ones".
Olympic bronze medallist Aidan Walsh said on social media that he would "never forget our memories together".
St Paul's Antrim ABC said McCullagh Jr was a "credit" to the sport.
"Paul's achievements and his proud boxing heritage made him a credit to Irish boxing," it posted on social media.
"Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him at this very difficult time."