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‘Complete devastation’ as boxer John Cooney dies week after Ulster Hall fight left him hospitalised.
A boxer who was injured following a bout at the Ulster Hall has lost his battle for life, it was announced tonight.
John Cooney was rushed to hospital after his bout against Nathan Howells in Belfast last Saturday night.
The 28-year-old suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and underwent emergency surgery.
Tonight, Mark Dunlop of MHD Promotions said Mr Cooney, who was from Galway, had died.
“It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away,” MHD Promotions said.
“Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancée 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’.”
Last Saturday’s contest – Mr Cooney’s first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title – was stopped in the ninth round.
Mr Cooney was assessed by the medical team in the ring before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Among those paying tribute tonight was former professional boxer turned coach Conrad Cummings.
He said: “John Cooney the warrior gave up his fight and passed away this evening.
“I am deeply saddened, I can’t begin to think of the hurt his poor fiancée and family are going through.. I pray they find the strength.”
The Ulster Hall posted on X: “We’re sending heartfelt condolences to John Cooney’s family and friends and the wider boxing community. A devastating outcome for this young sportsman and all those around him.”
The Galway Amateur Boxing Association described it as “the worst possible news” after a torturous week for the family and friends of John Cooney.
“John lost the battle for his life today having spent the past week in intensive care following a professional bout in Belfast,” an online added.
“There are no words to convey the magnitude of this tragedy or that can lessen the grief of his family.
“A shining prospect and a young man loved by all that knew him; his loss will be mourned by all and he will never be forgotten.
“John Cooney, Rest in Peace.”
A fundraiser was set up with the authorisation of the Cooney family and his boxing manager, and had raised around £47,000 as of tonight.