Northern Ireland

Funeral on Friday for legendary boxing promoter Barney Eastwood

Mourners will gather in Holywood, Co Down on Friday for the funeral of well-known bookmaker, Barney Eastwood
Mourners will gather in Holywood, Co Down on Friday for the funeral of well-known bookmaker, Barney Eastwood Mourners will gather in Holywood, Co Down on Friday for the funeral of well-known bookmaker, Barney Eastwood

THE funeral of boxing promoter and bookmaker Barney Eastwood will take place on Friday.

The 87-year-old, who was originally from Cookstown, Co Tyrone, died on Monday after a long illness.

A great-grandfather, Mr Eastwood was well known in the boxing world and built up a bookmaking empire which was sold off for a reputed £135m in 2008.

Mr Eastwood also had a life-long love of Gaelic football. He made history in 1948 when he was part of the first Tyrone minor team to win back-to-back All Ireland titles.

It was in his role as a boxing promoter that he was better known for, having managed some the biggest local names in the sport, particularly his association with WBA featherweight world champion fighter Barry McGuigan.

After years of success together, his relationship with the "Clones Cyclone" ultimately soured, culminating in an acrimonious legal dispute.

Irish News photographer and Olympic bronze winner Hugh Russell was also managed by Mr Eastwood when he turned professional in 1981.

In a statement, Mr Eastwood's family said his passing had brought "great sadness to the family as well as the whole community in Holywood, where he was a very visable resident for the past 50 years.

"All who knew him will miss his remarkable charm".

Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Friday at St Colmcille's Church in Holywood.

The funeral will proceed to Redburn Cemetery afterwards.