John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. All Members were in shock last week on learning of the sudden and tragic death of Darren Sutherland. While many tributes have been paid, it is appropriate to put on the record of this House Members' deepest sympathy with his family, his parents Tony and Linda and his sisters. There is a great sense of loss among all those involved in sport and within the boxing fraternity in particular. One can only imagine the trauma and grief through which the Sutherland family is going at this time. 4 o'clock

Darren was someone who brought great honour to this country and to the sport of boxing. I was privileged to meet him and his family a number of weeks ago. He articulated to a group of athletes the determination and the efforts made in his life to achieve what he did at the Olympic Games and his ambition to be a world champion. He brought great honour to this country and to everybody he touched. He has been a hero and will continue to be so. May he rest in peace.

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