The Irish Athletic Boxing Association is today mourning the passing of a giant of our sport.
Former President of the Association, Breandán Ó Conaire of Dublin’s Bay City Boxing Club, was elected in 1996 and served for two terms. Breandán continued to represent Irish boxing internationally, most recently attending World governing body commission meetings as recently as 2017. Internationally, Breandán was installed as Chairman of the European Amateur Boxing Associations R&J Committee in 2006, having, also served an 8 year term as Secretary of the AIBA’s Technical and Rules Commission from 1998 to 2006.
Breandán gave counsel and advice to boxing leaders long after his respective terms of office concluded and was inducted in the IABA Hall of Fame in 2023. The IABA President’s Award was bestowed upon him in the same year.
President of the IABA Anto Donnelly, says “Breandán was a proud, passionate advocate for our sport – and was a stabilising, pioneering leader during a very difficult period in Irish boxing’s lifetime. His contribution to officiating at domestic, European and World level was an extraordinary one, leaving a lasting legacy for fairness and boxer safety. This is a very sad day for the Boxing community and more so for Breandán’s family, to whom he was devoted – we extend to them our deepest condolences on their profound loss”
Breandán was also a passionate advocate of the Irish language, with a highly respected academic career. He retired as head of Roinn na Gaeilge (Irish Department) at Coláiste Phádraig (St. Patrick’s College), Dublin City University (DCU) in 2007. His academic contributions were extensive, with a special interest in Irish literature, language, and cultural history, including 19th and 20th century Irish boxing history. He was also the Director of Comhdháil an Chraoibhín (the Douglas Hyde Conference) and Editor of its Proceedings from 1990–2002.
Devoted husband of the late Rhóda, Breandán is survived by his children, Ciarán, Cormac, Aonghus and Aisling, and his four grandchildren, Cillian, Daithí, Saoirse and Naoise, his sister Ann, brothers Kevin and Francis, extended family, Marcela, Clodagh, Cathy and Will, friends, and former colleagues.
Breandán will lie in repose at at Stafford’s Funeral Home, Golf Links Road, Portmarnock on Wednesday July 23rd between 2pm and 4pm. His removal to St Anne’s Church, Portmarnock, arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am, will take place on Thursday, July 24th. Burial will take place thereafter in Fingal Cemetery.
Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice or the Alzheimer Society of Ireland
The Funeral Mass may be viewed HERE and condolences may be expressed HERE