Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BOXER HAS FACE CUT IN ATTACK
Coach says he’s lucky to be alive after street gang assault
ONE of Northern Ireland’s most exciting boxing prospects is lucky to be alive after a serious assault.
Caoimhin Hynes suffered a horrific wound to his face following an altercation with a number of people in central Belfast early yesterday. The 20-year-old – who was with his girlfriend when he was attacked – was treated in hospital and was due to have surgery on his injuries. After visiting him yesterday, Holy Trinity coach Mickey Hawkins admitted the young fighter was lucky to survive. Hawkins told the Mirror: “We are very fortunate Caoimhin is still alive. “He is doing well and is in decent spirits, considering what has happened to him. He is badly scarred but he is alive. “This attack could have been fatal. We are very fortunate this young man is still with us. Caoimhin knows how lucky he is. “He was out with his girlfriend when the incident happened. It is a horrible thing to happen.” Hynes recently won gold at the prestigious Montana Belts multi-nations tournament in Paris. The middleweight prospect – who fights out of Holy Trinity Boxing Club in West Belfast – is expected to compete at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia. Hynes has been a member of Holy Trinity for 10 years after joining as a 10-year-old with his brother Eoaghan. Their uncle Jim Hynes – who also represented Holy Trinity – is a former Irish champion. Hawkins described Caoimhin as a “role model” for young boxers. He added: “Caoimhin doesn’t drink alcohol and he has never touched drugs or anything like that. He is a real role model. “He won in Paris recently at the Montana Belts and now he is lucky to still be alive. This just shows you how things can change in life.” Hawkins said Hynes’ boxing future is now a secondary concern as he looks to make a full recovery from his injuries. He added: “I believe Caoimhin is due to have surgery and then he will start his recovery and get back to some normality. “It is devastating what has happened to him but we are so thankful he is alive. “He will get better and I am confident he will compete at next year’s Commonwealth Games. This won’t stop him.” Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the assault. In a statement, the PSNI said: “Shortly before 2.50am police received a report of an ongoing altercation involving a number of people in Donegall Place. “A 20-year-old male sustained a wound to his cheek after he was assaulted by a number of males wearing tracksuits.” Witnesses are asked to contact officers at Musgrave Police Station on 101.