A WELL-KNOWN Irish boxing coach who died in a workplace accident will be laid to rest this weekend, his family has confirmed.
Paul Loonam, who has been remembered a pillar of the community, died following a digger accident in Offaly on Wednesday afternoon.
Paul Loonam will be laid to rest on Saturday[/caption]
The Irish Amateur Boxing Association said Mr Loonam was a ‘stalwart’[/caption]
Emergency services rushed to the scene in the Tullamore area shortly after 2pm.
Mr Loonam’s family said that he will be “sadly missed and fondly remembered”.
He was well known in boxing circles as the father of professional boxer Paul Loonam and was heavily involved with St Carthage’s boxing club where he coached his son.
He also played Gaelic football with Erin Rovers in the 1980s and 1990s.
Mr Loonam’s funeral will take place on Saturday at 11am in S. Mary’s Church in Pullough and he will be laid to rest after in Boher Cemetery.
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for the Tullamore man.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association said: “The Irish Athletic Boxing Association extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Paul Loonam Senior on his passing.
“Paul, of Back Road, Pullough, Tullamore, Offaly was a stalwart and highly respected member of the Boxing Family over many decades, serving as a club and national coach, and as a Referee and Judge of long-standing.”
IABA National Registrar, Stephen Connolly, described Paul as a “pure gentleman”.
He said: “Paul always gave of his time to our sport, to his boxers, to his club, and as a Referee and Judge – he spent thousands of hours in the National Stadium, volunteering in officiating a countless number of bouts.
“He also gave very generously of his time and expertise at club shows, box cups and tournaments throughout the Association over many, many years. He was a pure gentleman.”
Esker Boxing Club shared: “Everyone at Esker Boxing Club are extremely shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Paul Loonam Snr yesterday.
“Paul was an absolute gentleman to deal with over the years and we were lucky enough to spend time with him on a lot of shows and trips in that time.”
‘MISSED BY EVERYONE’
One mourner said: “Paul was a true gentleman, a massive pillar of our community, that was taking too soon.
“A true gent in every way. Paul will be missed by everyone in Pollagh. May Paul Rest in Peace.”
Another said: “Our sincerest condolences to Paul and all the Loonam family.
“What a tragic shock for you all. He was one of the nicest, dignified, well-mannered, pleasant gentlemen to walk through our doors.
“Always the same…always the gentleman. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.”
One mourner said: “Our deepest condolences to all of you on the passing of Paul, an absolute gentleman he was one of the best.
“He will never be forgotten. Thinking of all of you at this time.”
While another added: “Sending all our thoughts and love to all of the family on this very sad occasion.
“Paul was such a wonderful man, may he rest in peace.”
