Machete horror at youth boxing
Teens terrified as thugs launch ‘abhorrent’ attack
THIS is the terrifying moment a gang of masked thugs wielding machetes stormed a youth boxing tournament.
The horror assault at The Hub venue in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, on Friday evening left kids diving for cover – and one man seriously injured.
A feud is believed to be behind the callous attack which the Irish Athletic Boxing Association branded as “abhorrent”.
Video footage appears to show four men armed with machetes and slash hooks chasing others through the arena before seemingly cornering one man behind the boxing ring.
Terrified spectators and competitors at the under-14 national championships event dived for cover, with some using chairs as shields.
More than 60 young teens along with their coaches, families and officials were at the first day of the 2024 National Boy 4 Championships, which was being held outside Dublin for the first time.
One witness told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “There was absolute carnage... very shocking scenes. It’s not what you expect when you go to watch young boys competing in the sport of boxing.”
The IABA cancelled the remaining two days of the quarter final bouts in the wake of the violence.
In a statement it said: “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 has also confirmed that two more days of boxing due to take place this weekend have been 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.”
It is now unclear if the Boys 5 championships, due to take place at the same venue next weekend, will go ahead at another location. Castlerea
WITNESS
Boxing Club said yesterday it could not host future All-ireland championships. In a statement on social media the club said: “We were so proud to be asked to host this year’s All-ireland Championships, and we thought that it would be a great historical moment for our club and town, but instead, it has brought great shock and sadness. “We can only apologise to all of the wonderful people that attended, to the children who trained all year for this weekend and to the people of Castlerea for the hurt that this has caused. “These thugs... chose to travel to our town to destroy what should have been a fantastic day for our club and town – all to settle a personal dispute. “We would also like to apologise to the LABA. We are unable to go ahead with hosting future Allireland Championships. “This is a decision we must make for the safety of our boxers, their families, and our community.” Junior Sport Minister Thomas Byrne said he was “horrified” to learn of the shocking incident.
He added: “Every child and every participant in sport should be able to enjoy their sport without fear for their safety.
“Gardai are now investigating this matter and it’s important for us to allow them to do their work in finding those responsible.”
Boxing coach John Mongan, a member of the central council of the IABA, said the scenes in Castlerea were horrific.
Visibly shaken by what he’d witnessed, he said: “This was pure evil to see these four guys come armed with machetes and [wearing] balaclavas.
“It looks like to me it was some kind of a feud, and it was horrific to watch and everyone was shocked. I couldn’t believe what was going on and it happened so fast.”
He added: “This was not a good day for boxing and yet it has nothing to do with the sport.
“This is a feud between two families and the venue was targeted because they were after people attending.”
Gardai confirmed emergency services were called to the scene of an alleged assault on Friday
This was pure evil to see these 4 guys come in with machetes and wearing balaclavas
and a man in his 40s was seriously injured. He was treated at the scene and taken to University Hospital Galway where his injuries are described as serious but not life threatening.
A Garda spokeswoman said they were appealing for witnesses. She added: “The incident occurred at approximately 9.45pm, when a male, aged in his 40s, was assaulted. 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 set up at Castlerea Garda station and gardai are appealing for information about a white or silver Audi A4 car travelling in the Castlerea and Ballintubber areas between 8.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday.
Anyone with dash cam footage is asked to contact Castlerea station on 094 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.