'Night of hope' for Limerick boxer Lee Reeves, who was hospitalised after knockout

Lee Reeves, aged 31, underwent surgery before being placed into an induced coma

Lee Reeves, right, in action against Gary Cully in their BUI Irish Super Lightweight Title bout at the 3Arena in Dublin last weekend. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

A "night of hope" is set to take place on Friday to support boxer Lee Reeves, who has been in a "critical but stable" condition after being rushed to hospital last weekend.

Mr Reeves, aged 31, from Roxboro, was stretchered from the ring after a heavy knockout in defeat at Dublin’s 3Arena last Saturday night.

He underwent surgery, before being placed into an induced coma.

A community vigil has been set up by Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (LTSP), a prevention patrol group Mr Reeves has been volunteering with for years.

Mr Reeves lost his mother Cathy to suicide in 2015. After noticing them walk alongside the three bridges in their fluorescent jackets, he joined LTSP in 2017 and has been an ambassador ever since. 

This Friday, a "night of hope" will take place for Mr Reeves at Honan's Quay in Limerick, from 7pm. LTSP has invited the people of Limerick to show up for the young man who has "dedicated countless hours to helping others".

"He has always been there for those who needed support, compassion and hope. Now it's our turn to stand beside him. This will be a community vigil, a chance to light a candle, reflect and show Lee and his family that they are not facing this journey alone. Everyone is welcome", said the group via social media.

"Lee has given so much to our city, now it's time we give something back," volunteer David O'Mahony told the Irish Examiner.

In March 2024, Mr Reeves was on patrol when they received a call about a woman who was in the water. As she was not responsive, he did not think twice and jumped in to rescue her.

He previously recalled the incident to the Irish Examiner: "We ran up and we did what we were trained to do — pass in the throw bags and do everything off the bridge. But the lady wasn’t responsive, she wasn’t grabbing the ropes or anything like that. So I ended up going off the side of the bridge into the water.

Lee Reeves has been an ambassador with Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention for years, after losing his mother to suicide.

"I ended up in the water holding on to the lady, wrapped around the rope for, like, 28 minutes. That was definitely a very memorable night, and a very difficult night for all of the team to see. But thankfully the lady got saved, her life and her family was saved that night".

Mr Reeves was hospitalised after his fight against Gary Cully for the BUI Celtic super-lightweight title. He had been on top in the bout before it concluded in the 10th round with a heavy knockout.

Over €60,000 has been raised in three days to support the Roxboro boxer and his family, and cover his medical costs.

The fundraiser was set up by Jonathan O’Brien, who wrote: “Lee Reeves has given back to so many in his life, supports charities and his community in Limerick, Ireland and is one of our own.

“A genuine good-hearted man. I know he would appreciate all our kindness and support. Let’s go champ, this is your final round.”