LAST UPDATE | 2 Mar 2024

GARDAÍ HAVE APPEALED for witnesses after a man was seriously injured in a violent incident which occurred at the National Boy 4 Boxing Championships in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, yesterday.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association has condemned the incident as “abhorrent” and suspended the remainder of the U14 national championships which were due to conclude over the weekend.

Several males, at least three of whom wielded sharp instruments, entered Castlerea Boxing Club during yesterday’s quarter-finals. It is believed they were looking for another male.

Violence broke out for almost a minute before the intruders fled the scene. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene.

In a statement, gardaí said they were appealing for witnesses following an alleged assault which occurred at a premises at Demesne, Castlerea, yesterday evening.

“The incident occurred at approximately 9.45pm, when a male, aged in his 40’s, was assaulted,” gardaí said.

He received medical treatment at the scene and was later conveyed to Galway University Hospital for treatment for serious injuries. No further injuries were reported at the time.

An incident room has been established at Castlerea Garda Station and gardaí are appealing to the public for information in relation to this incident.

“In particular, gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have seen a White / Silver Audi A4 car travelling in the Castlerea and Ballintubber areas of Co. Roscommon between 8.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday 1 March 2024,” gardaí said.

A statement released last night by the IABA said that the association “is 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,” the IABA added.

“Gardai are investigating.

“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.

Gardaí have appealed to any road users who were travelling in the area at the time, and who may have camera footage (including dash cam), to make this available to them.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on (094) 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. 

With reporting from Cormac Fitzgerald