Hundreds gather for Darren Sutherland funeral

Hundreds of mourners have gathered in Co Meath to pay their last respects to Olympic boxer Darren Sutherland.

The 27-year-old, who won a bronze medal for Ireland at last year's Beijing Games, is being laid to rest in Navan this afternoon.

Representatives from the world of boxing and politics joined family and friends for the funeral Mass at St Mary's Church this morning.

President Mary McAleese and the Taoiseach Brian Cowen were both represented by their aides de camp.

Michael Carruth, Pat Hickey and John Treacy were among the sporting representatives who came to pay their respects.

In his homily, parish priest Fr Declan Hurley paid tribute to Sutherland's professional achievements, as well as his goodness and kindness.

He said the outstanding memory of Darren for many people in Ireland would be that of a smiling champion.