Tributes to former Mayo boxing supremo on his passing
Tributes are being paid to Joe Hennigan, Ballina Road, Killala, and formerly of 19 Bunree Road, Ballina, whose death has occurred.
He died peacefully at home in the care of his loving family.
The deceased had a lifelong passion for boxing and the administration of the sport, serving as president of the Mayo and Connacht branch Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) for many years, as well as holding the vice-presidency of the IABA.
Over the decades, he was instrumental in developing the profile of boxing in the region as well as campaigning for better training facilities for the many young boys and girls taking up in the sport.
He also served at national level and was one of the sport's most accomplished judges and referees, having adjudicated at countless national championships over the years.
His proudest moment, however, was being manager of the Irish boxing squad for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, a testimony to his immense standing in the Irish boxing world.
In a tribute, The Irish Athletic Boxing Association said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Hennigan.
It continued: "Joe gave over 60 years of service to boxing at club, county, provincial and national level.
"He was the driving force behind Ardnaree Boxing Club in his native county for decades, serving there as a coach and administrator.
"He was also elected president of the Mayo County Board, and served for a considerable time as president of the Connacht Provincial Council.
"He was honoured in 2012 with IABA's National Administrator accolade and in 2013 with the Connacht's Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Joe was also a qualified judge and referee, and gave thousands of hours of his time to the officiating of bouts at all levels of the Association.
"On the international stage, Joe's contribution to the leadership of IABA teams at benchmark tournaments was immense.
"He led teams over a period of in excess of two decades at European and World level, from Junior to Elite, including the European Championships in Poland in 2003, the European Youth Championships in 2011, the European Junior Championships in Russia in 2018 and the 2020 Elite World Championships.
"His greatest honour as team manager was to lead Team Ireland at all Olympic qualification tournaments and training camps in the Rio cycle, culminating in management of the team during the Rio 2016 Olympics.
"Shortly thereafter, in 2017, Joe was elected vice-president of the IABA.
"A Lifetime Services to Boxing Award was bestowed upon Joe in 2023 in recognition of his dedication to our sport, and our community.
In a tribute, Castlebar Boxing Club stated: "In the early years, going back over 40 years ago, their was not a tournament Mr Hennigan was not at.
"He was the driving force behind Ardnaree Boxing Club
"We offer our sincere condolences to the Hennigan family on their loss."
Joe will be forever missed by his heartbroken daughters Fiona and Cathriona, sons Paul (Waterford) and Brian (New York), grandchildren Kalvin, Kyira, Michael and John, daughters-in-law Victoria and Chrissy, sister -in -law May Golden, nieces, nephews, relatives, and a wide circle of friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Breege, his parents Joe and Lil, siblings Joan, May, Harry, Michael and Kevin and his faithful and loyal canine companion Jack.
Reposing at his residence (F26 XF97) today (Sunday) from 3 to 7 p.m.
Funeral will arrive to St. Patrick's Church, Killala, on Monday for Requiem Mass at 1 p.m., followed by burial in Killala Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.