Gardaí investigating machete attack at u-14 boxing event in Roscommon

"We are horrified that such events would take place at any sporting event, let alone a children's event"

The incident occurred on Friday, March 1st, outside a club in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, as it hosted the National Boy 4 Boxing Championships.

Following the attack, a man in his 40s was left with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

According to The Mirror, sources say the group, who are thought to have travelled up from Co Clare, targeted the event to settle a dispute with a spectator at the U-14 boxing event.

Footage, which was being live-streamed online, captured the moment armed men entered the venue at 9.45pm and spectators fled.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association and Castlerea Boxing Club have condemned the attack

"That such an incident could occur at a children’s sporting event is abhorrent and is roundly condemned by every member of the Irish boxing family," the IABA statement reads.

"Gardai are investigating. Two more days of boxing were scheduled in to take place in this competition over the weekend. They have been suspended and the remaining days of boxing will be rescheduled

"Understandably, there will be clubs, boxers, officials and supporters at a loss. But in the interest of their safety, there is no option; risk remains too high even if the competition proceeds behind closed doors."

The Castlerea Boxing Club has also expressed their devastation that such a violent incident would take place at a children's event, confirming that they would not be able to host future All-Ireland Championships in the interest of the safety of their boxers, their families, and their community.

"We are truly heartbroken to have to post this statement this morning. We were so proud to be asked to host this years All-Ireland Championships, and we thought that it would be a great historical moment for our club and town, but instead, it has brought great shock and sadness," the club's Facebook post reads.

"We can only apologise to all of the wonderful people that attended, to the children who trained all year for this weekend and to the people of Castlerea for the hurt that this has caused.

"These thugs, from another province, chose to travel to our town to destroy what should have been a fantastic day for our club and town - all to settle a personal dispute. We would also like to apologise to the IABA.

"We are horrified that such events would take place at any sporting event, let alone a children's event."

Gardaí are appealing to the public for information concerning the attack.

An incident room has been established at Castlerea Garda Station.

Gardaí are appealing to the public for information in regards to the attack on Friday night.

In particular, Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have seen a White / Silver Audi A4 car travelling in the Castlerea and Ballintubber areas of Co. Roscommon between 8.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday 1st March 2024.

Any road users who were travelling in the area at this time, and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on (094) 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.