‘Barney Eastwood one of NI’s brightest stars’ - funeral told

The boxing promoter and bookmaker passed away on Monday aged 87 after a short illness.

Mr Eastwood was best known for his work as a boxing promoter, particularly with world champion Barry McGuigan, but also owned a chain of bookmakers.

Long-time friend and BBC sports commentator, Jim Neilly, told mourners at St Colmcille’s Church in Holywood of Mr Eastwood’s love for his family.

“What a glorious morning it is, just exactly what the boss would have ordered,” he said.

“He always used to say that the winners can celebrate and the losers can please themselves.

“He had much to celebrate but what he celebrated most was his family and his friendship. He always said his greatest cause of celebration was the day he married his beloved Frances.

“They say the show must go on, and of course it must, but it will go on, alas, without one of its brightest stars.”

Mr Eastwood made his name in the bookmaking business, building up a large chain of shops across Northern Ireland. In 2008, he sold his 54 shops to Ladbrokes in a deal worth £135m.

But he was best known for his work as a boxing promoter and manager, particularly his association with world champion fighter Barry McGuigan.

However, their relationship ended in a bitter legal battle, following which the boxing promoter was awarded £450,000 in damages.

Mr Eastwood also worked with other champion boxers including Dave McAuley, Paul Hodkinson and Steve Collins.

Fr Stephen McBrearty told mourners that he could “nearly imagine Barney going around all the rooms in heaven checking out which one he wants”.

“Barney Eastwood was many things to many people,” he added. “He was a great husband to his wife and they loved each other greatly from those teenage years; a great father to his children and grandfather to his 23 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and he loved you all greatly.

“He was grateful for everything he received. He would pray for all of you that knew him; probably praying for forgiveness from some of you and great strength for the rest.”

Mr Eastwood was laid to rest at Redburn Cemetery and is survived by his wife Frances, daughter Fiona and sons Brian, Peter, Adrian, Stephen and Fearghal.