Twenty-year-old Limerick boxer Kevin Sheehy was killed in a hit-and-run in the early hours of this morning.
Sheehy is the reigning Irish U22 heavyweight champion. He was an Irish champion five times across his young career and was tipped by many as a possible fighter for Ireland in the 2024 Olympics. He had a big future in boxing and his partner was pregnant with their first child and his death is senseless.
According to police in Limerick, Sheehy, who fought for the St Francis club, was killed after leaving house party just before 5am. He had been celebrating Limerick's Munster hurling title Sunday evening. According to reporters in Limerick, Gardaí are investigating whether the hit-and-run was premeditated. Just 10 days ago, Sheehy won the Hull Box Cup heavyweight tournament.
@Kevin_sheehy_1 is the new Hull box cup heavyweight champion after a tough unanimous points win against a very strong Scottish opponent
The current Irish u22 champ used his speed and strength throughout and switched from head to body to great effect to win on all cards. pic.twitter.com/s71CMud3sf— ken moore (@ken_moore31) June 21, 2019
Many tributes were paid to Sheehy on social media this afternoon.
Rest In Peace Champ, an absolute gentleman! Had many good spars with Kevin Sheehy, he had a massive future ahead of him. Thoughts and prayers with all of your family & friends. pic.twitter.com/j9Ln84ZSkI
— Thomas Carty🇮🇪 (@thomas_carty) July 1, 2019
Terrible news breaking this morning. Top Heavyweight & Irish U22 Champ Kevin Sheehy was the victim in a hit-and-run incident last night in Limerick. A real talent who left his mark on #IrishBoxing. Was going to be a dad soon.
RIP🥊☘ pic.twitter.com/xFaxV79XXC— Ray Moylette (@raymoylette) July 1, 2019
Woke up to heart breaking news. Kevin was such a gentleman and a young man with so much going for him in and out of the ring. Rest In Peace Kevin Sheehy. Truly devastating. pic.twitter.com/862bWOb9aF
— Luke Liddy (@LOLIDDY2489) July 1, 2019
