Mourners pay respects to tragic Sutherland

Hundreds of grieving mourners will gather to pay tribute to Olympic medallist Darren Sutherland today as he is laid to rest a week after being found hanged.

Sutherland, who clinched bronze at the Beijing games, was discovered in his London flat by his manager Frank Maloney.

Top figures from the boxing world are expected to join friends and family members for the funeral Mass today in Navan, Co Meath.

The 27-year-old’s remains were brought to St Mary’s Church yesterday evening where prayers were offered for his parents, Tony and Linda and sisters Nicole and Shaneika.

Parish priest Father Declan Hurley said no words could express the tragic loss felt by Darren’s loved ones.

Mourners include Olympic athlete Eamonn Coughlan and FAI chief John Delaney.

A framed photo of a beaming Sutherland with his bronze Olympic medal and a painting of him with nickname 'The Dazzler' written at the top were placed beside his coffin.

A flower arrangement in the shape of boxing gloves was also left at the altar.

Sutherland won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics as a middleweight before turning professional late last year and joining Maloney’s camp.

He switched fighting weights to be a super-middleweight and won his first four professional bouts and was due to fight again next month.

He lived with Mr Maloney and his family for four months after leaving Navan late last year and moved into his own flat in February.