John Cooney: boxer's family pays tribute as book of condolence opens at the Ulster Hall
The super-featherweight fighter passed away in hospital a week after his title fight in Belfast
Last updated 10th Feb 2025
A book of condolence opened today (Monday) for boxer John Cooney who died in hospital a week after a title match in Belfast.
The 28-year-old from Galway passed away at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
Today, a book of condolence opened at the Ulster Hall where last Saturday he fought the first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title with Nathan Howells.
His family members have described their "complete devastation" after his death.
His passing was announced on Saturday in a statement published by his promoter Mark Dunlop, on behalf of the Cooney family and his fiancee, Emmaleen.
"After a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away," the statement said.
"Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancee 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."
Cooney, from Galway, had been treated at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital after his defeat.
The bout, Cooney's first defence of the Celtic super-featherweight title, was stopped in the ninth round.
He underwent surgery after it was discovered he had an intracranial haemorrhage, also known as a bleed on the brain.
Cooney won the title with a win over Liam Gaynor in Dublin in November 2023, but spent a year out of the ring with a hand injury.
He returned in October with a victory over Tampela Maharusi.