Northern Ireland

Fundraising efforts underway in support of family of 13-year-old boxer who was knocked down and killed

Eoin Hamill (13) was knocked down and killed on Friday in west Belfast
Eoin Hamill (13) was knocked down and killed on Friday in west Belfast Eoin Hamill (13) was knocked down and killed on Friday in west Belfast

A vigil took place in west Belfast last night in support of the family of a 13-year-old boxer who died after being hit by a car.

Eoin Hamill, who was a Year 8 pupil at Coláiste Feirste, was knocked off his bicycle close to the junction of Upper Springfield Road and Norglen Parade shortly after 4.30pm on Friday.

He was taken to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, but died a short time later.

A man aged in his thirties who was arrested in relation to the collision was yesterday released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Friends and neighbours of Eoin Hamill, who died in a traffic accident on Friday, gather at Turf Lodge for a candle-light vigil. Picture by Cliff Donaldson 
Friends and neighbours of Eoin Hamill, who died in a traffic accident on Friday, gather at Turf Lodge for a candle-light vigil. Picture by Cliff Donaldson  Friends and neighbours of Eoin Hamill, who died in a traffic accident on Friday, gather at Turf Lodge for a candle-light vigil. Picture by Cliff Donaldson 

A popular amateur boxer with Gleann ABC boxing club, the teenager had represented Co Antrim against Co Kildare in Belfast just before Christmas - winning his bout.

The club opened for a time yesterday to support members and anyone affected by the young boy's death, adding that he was "really well known and respected within the boxing circle".

Club coach Dee Walsh said: "Can’t put into words how devastated and heartbroken I am at the loss of our champ Eoin Hamill.

"People wouldn’t understand the love we have for these kids and we all loved him, was just talking about how proud I was of him earlier today. Not just our club but everyone is gonna miss you champ".

The 13-year-old's school said its community had been left "heartbroken at the news".

Posting on social media, Coláiste Feirste added: "We all thinking of Eoin and his family and will be available to support you at this difficult time".

Eoin's primary school, Gaelscoil Naíscoil Na Móna, also took to Facebook to pay tribute to him.

"We at Gaelscoil na Móna are absolutely heartbroken at the sudden death of past pupil Eoin Hamill.

"The McCullough, Brophy, Mead and Hamill families are a huge part of our school community.

Eoin was a beautiful child, loved deeply by all of us and whose smile would light up the darkest room. We will miss him terribly".

Last night, family and friends of the youngster gathered for a candle lit vigil in Turf Lodge in memory of the 13-year-old.

Organisers said the event was "to show our community's support and solidarity" with his family "at this extremely difficult time".

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts were last night underway to raise funds to support the youngster's family.

A number of west Belfast boxers are among those who came together to lend their support.

Sean McComb, Ruairi Dalton and Padraig McCrory each offered up items to auction.

Former world champion Carl Frampton said that he was "very saddened" to hear about the passing of Eoin, describing him as a "young and talented boxer".