WE’RE LOSING PLOT AT GRAVE ‘EYESORE’
Outrage over ‘€200k’ monument for Irish bare-knuckle boxer
We are currently trying to address situation SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL SPOKESPERSON
A LAVISH grave dedicated to the so-called “King of Sheffield” continues to cause outrage nearly two years after it was unveiled.
The elaborate structure – believed to have cost €200,000 – marks the final resting place of Irish-born bare-knuckle boxer Willy Collins, who died in July 2020 aged 49 when he collapsed on holiday in Majorca.
The gravestone was then unveiled in March 2022.
The monument is thought to be made of 37 tonnes of Carrara marble, featuring a solarpowered jukebox that blasts out Athlone native Willy’s favourite songs.
It also boasts flashing LED lights and a life-sized statue of the bare-knuckle boxer alongside depictions of Jesus and scenes from the Bible.
Four flagpoles and a marble bench also adorn the grave. But not everyone is happy about the memorial with locals saying it is a “monstrosity”.
The imposing marble structure was branded an “eyesore” when it was unveiled, with some left questioning how it was ever allowed to be built, while other mourners expressed their frustration after they were told they weren’t allowed to put up small picket fences around graves for their loved ones.
While no expense was spared in the building of the imposing grave, the council claim planning permission was not sought before the structure was erected and are now trying to have it
removed. However, they have now said there is “no update” on the situation despite the outrage.
A spokesperson for Sheffield City Council said: “We are currently trying to address this situation and there are no other updates to report at the moment.”
After the council initially revealed plans to have the grave removed, Willy’s family said there would be “very bad riots” if it was touched. They even hired a security guard to monitor the area.
Councillor Alison Teal said: “We are aware of a large memorial which has been erected in Shiregreen Cemetery. This memorial was built without permission and we are currently considering our next steps.
“Cemeteries are a place where people can come, pay their respects and visit loved ones who are no longer with us.
“We understand memorials are deeply personal, however we must have rules in place to ensure fairness.”
Meanwhile, locals fumed they were unable to bury their loved ones in the way they wanted thanks to the sheer size of the enormous grave.
One resident said: “How has something this big been allowed when people aren’t even allowed a little picket fence or similar around plots.”
Another added: “My son is buried in Wisewood cemetery and we were ordered to take down a small stone trim around his grave. One rule for some and another rule for others.”