THE FUNERAL of Irish Olympic boxer Darren Sutherland will take place in Navan, Co Meath, on Monday.
Sutherland (27), who won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics, was found dead in his flat in Bromley, south London.
He had been suffering from depression and took his own life.
His body was discovered by his manager Frank Maloney.
His father Tony, family friend Olive Murphy and her son David accompanied Sutherland’s body back on a flight from Stansted Airport yesterday evening.
He will be reposing at his home today in Balreask Manor, Navan. Tomorrow he will be reposing at Fitzsimons Funeral Home from 12 noon where the public will get a chance to pay their respects.
The removal will take place at 6.30pm to St Mary’s Church in Navan arriving at 7pm. The funeral Mass will take place at 11am on Monday followed by burial afterwards in St Finian’s Cemetery.
His friend Nikki Kavanagh has been asked to perform by Sutherland’s family. She will sing all the music at the service including a special song chosen by Darren’s mother. Sutherland is survived by his parents Tony and Linda and sisters Nicole and Shaneika.
An inquest into his death which was opened and adjourned at Croydon Coroner’s Court is not likely to take place until other inquiries into his death are completed.
Sutherland is likely to be remembered next Saturday week on the undercard of Bernard Dunne’s first defence of his WBA World Super Bantamweight title against number one contender Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym. Unbeaten heavyweight Tyson Fury, who was born in England of Irish parents, says he will dedicate his performance to the memory of the late Darren Sutherland.
“It’s come as a complete shock to everyone in boxing. To think that Darren was at my fight last weekend and now he’s no longer with us,” he said.
“He came across as a really nice lad and it looked like he was really going to do big things in the pro game. He’s a real loss to Irish boxing and my heart goes out to his family.”
Obituary – World stage beckoned for boxing champion: page 12
