Gardaí say boxing event machete victim could have been killed 

One of the alleged attackers chases a man at the boxing event in Castlerea Roscommon

Gardaí believe a man who sustained a serious injury to his face in a violent attack involving machetes and slash hooks could have been killed.

The terrifying incident, which was recorded and circulated online, occurred at a juvenile boxing tournament in Co Roscommon and forced onlookers, officials and competitors to flee for safety.

The video captured three masked men brandishing machetes and slash hooks rampaging through the boxing arena, during an U-14 tournament, in Castlerea on Friday night.

The victim, aged in his 40s, is said to have received a “nasty wound” to his face but gardaí said he was fortunate he was not killed given the ferocity of the attack and the weapons used.

The target, understood to be from Clare, had travelled to the boxing tournament in Castlerea to see a relative fight.

Gardaí suspect that members of a rival feuding family learned of his plans and followed him to the event.

Up to four men, at least three of them masked, launched a savage attack on the man just as two young boxers were about to enter the ring.

Gardaí are examining the video recording and have appealed to the public for any sightings of the vehicle – a silver or white Audi A4 - the attackers are suspected of travelling in.

Detectives are gathering local intelligence of the feud, which is ongoing between two families, and sources said investigators are hopeful of being able to draw up names of likely suspects.

The shocking incident was captured on a mobile phone that was originally focused on the boxing ring. The camera swung away to the back of the hall after people could hear a rumpus.

It is understood that, shortly before, four masked men had barged in and one of them immediately went for the main target.

Footage from the boxing event in Castlerea where a man was attacked by men armed with slash hooks and machetes.

The recording showed the victim protecting himself with a chair from the first attacker, who had a scarf or snood partially covering his face, and was striking blows with a long-blade machete.

A second, older man, was also trying to assist him with his chair while other men and women fled the area.

The target of the attack ran down the arena but was pursued by the first attacker, causing shocked fans, onlookers and competitors to jump out of the way.

A second masked attacker, wielding a long slash hook, ran towards the man and tried to strike him but stumbled at a barrier.

The target stopped at the exit and turned to protect himself with his chair from further assault from the machete-wielding attacker.

This attacker then ran away and into the second attacker. The second attacker then proceeded to launch an assault with a long slash hook on the target.

A woman is heard on the recording screaming desperately during the shocking episode, which lasted only around 40 seconds, and a third attacker, also masked, and carrying a long slash hook, came into the picture.

The three men turned and ran out a separate exit as onlookers and officials breathed relief.

“These boxing clubs are trying to keep kids on the straight and narrow, to show restraint and to keep it in the ring, and you have adults then attacking other adults with bladed weapons, in front of other people, including smaller kids – it’s shocking, and bizarre,” a garda source said.

“The man received a nasty wound to his face, but it is not life-threatening,” the source said. “It could have been life-threatening because all you need is for the type of weapon they were using to connect and it could be fatal. These type of weapons are able to potentially kill.”

Gardaí are hopeful from examining the recording and from identifying the car they travelled in, that they will begin to develop a picture.

Sources said that on the basis of knowing the victim, and his background, that the likely attackers are most likely well known, particularly in the local community.

Two of the alleged attackers at the boxing event in Castlerea, Co Roscommon

Officers will be keen to track the movements of the attackers as quickly as possible and narrow down locations where the weapons may have been dumped.

The incident took place on the first day of the 2024 National Boy/Girl 4 Championships which was being held at The Hub in Castlerea.

A Garda statement said: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following an alleged assault which occurred at a premises at Demesne, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, on the evening of Friday 1 March 2024.

“The incident occurred at approximately 9.45pm, when a male, aged in his 40’s, was assaulted. He received medical treatment at the scene and was later conveyed to Galway University Hospital for treatment for serious injuries. No further injuries were reported at the time.” It said an incident room had been established at Castlerea Garda Station and that gardaí were appealing to the public for information.

“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,” it said.

Gardaí want any road users who were travelling in the area at this time, and who may have camera footage, including dash cam, to make it available.

People with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

In a statement, the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) said it was aware of the incident, adding: "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 association said it, its officials, Castlerea Boxing Club and the event's streaming partners, StreamSport, will assist investigating gardaí "in any way possible".

IABA confirmed the two remaining days of the tournament have been suspended and 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 statement added.