💾 Archived View for gem.amigausers.ie › news_ie › belfast1654258205.gmi captured on 2022-06-04 at 00:20:46. Gemini links have been rewritten to link to archived content
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
3 Jun
The boxing community has led the tributes to Gleann ABC stalwart Tricia Magennis following her death.
The 42-year-old - who was also a well-known political and community activist - died on Thursday following a battle with cancer.
Tricia played a massive part in Gleann's success in recent years, carrying out a number of roles and forming part of the club's committee.
Read more:Michael Conlan vs Miguel Marriaga confirmed for SSE Arena on August 6
Gleann ABC, based on premises at West Enterprise Centre on the Glen Road, welcomes in the region of 100 young people through its doors every week, helping keep kids off the streets and improving the physical and mental well-being of the boxers it takes under its wings.
Tributes have been pouring in since news broke of Tricia's death.
Gleann coach Dee Walsh told Belfast Live: "We are all devastated at Glenann. Tricia was a backbone of this club and did so much to help it progress over recent years.
"We were all devastated to hear the news. We couldn't believe it, even though we knew of her battle with cancer.
"She was just a great person who would do anything for you. Tricia played a massive role at the club. She helped out with various jobs including admin and taking payments, and she also helped out with some coaching.
"She started off helping out a couple of the girls and progressed from there. She even went on and got the first part of her coaching badges.
"Tricia was one of the main volunteers who was trying to bring the club on. She was also a part of the committee. Her death will leave a massive void at the club.
"Even when wee Eoin Hamill died a couple of years ago, Tricia was the one who helped bring the club together at what was a hugely difficult time for everyone.
"So it is a massive loss to the club. She loved Gleann."
Gleann ABC described Tricia as 'the mother' of its club.
They said: "Gleann is deeply saddened by the loss of the backbone and ‘the mother’ (as we called her) of our boxing club Tricia Magennis
"A woman we could all depend on, a brilliant wife and mother to her children and a woman who truly cared about our club!
"Thoughts and prayers are with Turk her husband, our champ Odhrann, Grainne and young Meadhbh
"Our club has took a few massive blows this past couple years but we’ll keep sticking together, keep fighting and progressing in the memory of the people we have lost."
Other tributes have been pouring in on social media.
County Antrim Boxing IABA stated: "Tricia was an integral part of Gleann Boxing Club and a great advocate of women's boxing and boxing in general. Tricia had just recently taken part in our most recent judging course and helped at all levels of the sport."
Professional boxer Padraig McCrory who trains out of Gleann said: "Rip Tricia Magennis. A great servant to the Gleann boxing club and also to your family. A very sad day, may God watch over your family."
St Paul's ABC in Andersonstown added: "Thoughts are with Gleann boxer Odhran Magennis and the rest of his family after hearing of the passing of his mother Tricia. May she Rest In Peace."
As well as her boxing commitments, Tricia was a tireless community and political activist, and stood for Sinn Fein in the 2011 local elections.
Her husband Stephen, a former Sinn Fein councillor for the Colin area of West Belfast, broke the sad news of her death on Thursday night.
He said: "It is with a heavy heart to say that my beautiful wife and mother of my babies and soul mate Tricia has passed away. She fought cancer like no other I have seen to stay with us. You are and always will be the love of my life. We are all heartbroken."
Other tributes have been paid following Tricia's death.
Colin Safer Neighbourhood Project said: "Colin Safer Neighbourhood project are devastated tonight at the loss of our dearest friend, comrade & wife of our founding member, Tricia Magennis.
"Tricia played a huge role in organising and following up issues effecting hundreds of our Colin residents & was one of the unseen volunteers who ensured our community is one of the safest across Belfast.
"On a lighter note, Tricia, coordinated the projects Christmas get togethers & made sure all our volunteers felt appreciated for the commitment they gave to our area. Her planning was always meticulous.
"Our thoughts tonight are with Stephen, Diarmuid, Gráinne, Ordhán and Meadhabh and all the Magennis & Finley clan. Rest ever easy Tricia, a true Diamond."
Feile an Phobail added: "Very sad news reached us this evening that our friend Tricia Magennis has sadly passed away. Tricia, alongside Turk was part of the furniture at Féile events, and was always on hand to support the management and staffing of the Féile bar set up.
"Her presence, smile and character will be sadly missed. Condolences to the Magennis clann at this very sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."
Sinn Fein representative Danny Baker said: "My heart breaks for my friend & comrade Stephen on the passing of his wife Tricia Magennis. Tricia was truly an amazing woman, a republican & community activist.
"Life can be so cruel sometimes. Suaimhneas sÃoraà di. A Mhuire na nGael guà ar a son."
St Luke's Football Club paid tribute on Facebook, saying: "St Luke's would like to send their sincere condolences to Stephen Magennis (big Turk) on the passing of his wife Tricia suaimhneas sÃoraà Both Stephen and Tricia are well known throughout the community for the work and help they do in the cColin area....and we would just want Stephen to know if there is anything you and your family needs please just reach out chomh leithscéal a chara."
Lagmore Youth Project said: "The staff team and management committee of Lagmore Youth Project would like to pass on our condolences to Stephen Magennis, their children and extended family on the passing of their beloved their beloved wife and mum Tricia. Please accept our deepest condolences."
Colin Gaels GAA club added: "The club, volunteers, players and management committee would like to express our sincerest condolences to u12s player Meadhbh, her father Stephen and the rest of the Magennis family on the loss of their mother and wife Tricia, rest in peace."
Read more: Michael Conlan opens up on brutal weight cut and two-stone gain since Leigh Wood defeat
Read more: Michael Conlan teases out comeback plans as he plots August return
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.