The shadow of the ultimate price that can be paid hung over sport this weekend with the news of the tragic passing of Galway boxer John Cooney.
Cooney had been hospitalised after his defence of the Celtic Super Featherweight title was stopped after nine rounds at the Ulster Hall in Belfast last Friday week.
Having been assessed by the onsite team he was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he underwent an operation to ease pressure on his brain.
Treatment in intensive care continued but he died on Saturday.
“My thoughts are with John’s family, friends and all those in the boxing world who knew and loved him,” said Northern Ireland Sports Minister Gordon Lyons on Sunday.
“This was a tragic event and I want to commend the quick actions of the medical team at the Ulster Hall and the work of staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital.”
Meanwhile jockey Michael O’Sullivan remains in intensive care at Cork University Hospital after suffering a bad fall at Thurles Races on Thursday.
And the Ireland Scotland Guinness Six Nations match in Edinburgh on Sunday was delayed treatment on the pitch to Darcey Graham after a head collision with his own Captain Finn Russell.
He was later released from hospital with concussion.
Russell passed the HIA at the ground but to be fair to the Scottish management, they were still concerned at his demeanour before going back on and chose to remove him as a precaution.
Sport is a brilliant escape but there is always the threat of danger, just as there is in every aspect of life. Those of us who take charge of a team or an athlete need to be always mindful of our duty of care.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Making sure that risks are mitigated, that medical care is available and that common sense is applied in even the most high pressure of circumstances is vital and the these examples over the space of a week in Irish sport are a reminder of the responsibility we have to ensure that sport is safe.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
