Boxing body extends sympathy to victim of workplace accident in Offaly

THE Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has extended its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Paul Loonam Senior, who died tragically in an accident at Ballinamere outside Tullamore on Wednesday.

In its statement, the IABA said: "Paul, of Back Road, Pullough, Tullamore, was a stalwart and highly respected member of the boxing family over many decades, serving as a club and national coach, and as a Referee and Judge of long-standing."

IABA President, Anto Donnelly, commented: “Paul was a gentleman, and steeped in boxing. He exemplified all that is good about our sport – commitment, passion and integrity. I know many in the Irish Boxing Family will be stunned and deeply saddened by his untimely passing. Our thoughts are with Paul’s loved ones today, and particularly his wife Carmel, and children Ashling, Sinéad, Kevin, Róisín, and Paul. Irish boxing grieves with them."

IABA National Registrar, Stephen Connolly, said:“Paul always gave of his time to our sport, to his boxers, to his club, and as a Referee and Judge – he spent thousands of hours in the National Stadium, volunteering in officiating a countless number of bouts. He also gave very generously of his time and expertise at club shows, box cups and tournaments throughout the Association over many, many years. He was a pure gentleman.”

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Paul was the force behind St Carthage's boxing club in Rahan and was his son's, also Paul, coach.

In his earlier years, the late Paul played football with Erin Rovers in the 1980s and 1990s and was a solid wing back who played the game in the right spirit, winning championships medals with the club.

Paul workd in the building trade and was a very popular member of the local community.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Carmel and family, Ashling, Sinéad, Kevin, Róisín, and Paul, mother Rosaria, grandchildren, Mason, Amelia, Charlie, Isabelle, Laura, Rosaria, Gianni and Darragh, brothers, John, Kevin and Carlo, sons-in-law, Aaron, Luke and Dylan, daughter-in-law, Karolina, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

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Funeral arrangements to follow.