Northern Ireland

Boxing fundraiser for family of west Belfast father-of-five Ciarán Mulligan

Ciarán Mulligan died in November last year
Ciarán Mulligan died in November last year Ciarán Mulligan died in November last year

A boxing fundraiser is to be held for the family of a west Belfast father-of-five who died in November after suddenly falling ill.

Ciarán Mulligan (34), from the Beechmount area, was buried on the same day his youngest child, baby daughter Andreya, was baptised.

All proceeds from the 'Ciarán Mulligan Memorial Show' on Saturday night will go to support his wife Christine and five children.

Two of Mr Mulligan's sons, Ryan and Oisin, are to feature among 20 bouts taking place between members of Clonard ABC and other boxing clubs.

Entry costs £5 to the event at O'Donnells GAC on the Whiterock Road at 7pm.

Items donated for the fundraiser also include a signed Celtic FC jersey, boxing gloves signed by Ireland's Olympic fighters and UB40 tickets.

More than £3,000 has been raised for the family to date through the Just Giving website.

The appeal said low potassium levels in Mr Mulligan's blood brought on a seizure on November 10 and cardiac arrest. He died five days later.

In a Facebook post, Clonard ABC said: "He is missed by us all. I'm sure he will be looking down proud as punch that his boys are still going strong at the boxing and will no doubt put on a brilliant performance on his show."