Five have a better chance as late champion boxer John Cooney donated some of his organs.
Father Tadhg Quinn said it was a measure of Cooney and his family.
The boxer died last week after suffering intracranial bleeding in a fight at the beginning of the month.
Father Quinn told the packed church of the Apostle John of KnockNacala, that Cooney's death was a “real tragedy” and that many people were shocked.
“But there are some good things from that, to donate a piece of his body to others,” he said.
“Today, five people could live today, as John's family gave him a piece of his body to another person. John lives in another person, and of compassion. I would like to thank my family for giving me this commitment.”
Cooney passed away on February 1st after a super featherweight match against Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast. This was his first defense of the Celtic Super Featherweight Crown he won in November 2023, a means of Katie Taylor's victory over Chantelle Cameron at Dublin's 3 Arena.
The contest stopped in the ninth round, with Cooney being evaluated by the Ring's medical team before being taken to Stretcher and transferred to Royal Victoria Hospital.
He had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, but died last weekend.
Father Quinn said Cooney's talent, commitment and work ethic are often seen running on local roads as he prepares for a fight.
“He was well prepared. He came to win and hold the crown,” he said. “He fought to protect that crown. Forty-five minutes or so he was fighting for his life.”
Father Quinn praised the boxing community and Cooney's neighbors and friends for supporting their parents, Tina and Huey, their fiancée Emmalene, the Connor brothers and Aaron, grandmother Judith and the extended family.
“He'll be deeply missed, a great ambassador to the sport of boxing,” Father Quinn said. “A young man full of respect, pride and passion. The perfect role model for our young people to respect.”
He says Cooney “looks to calm down” and has a family with Emmarine, who sang Sarah McLachlan's angel during Mass.
“I think it's very difficult to take a break from your soulmate you loved and do so much work over the last five years on Valentine's Day, Father Quinn told Emmalene.
The mourners traveled from Bournemouth and London, England, where Cooney grew up, from all over Ireland.
The priest remembers Cooney as a “a positive guy about everything,” and has worked three days a week, cutting his hair and trained in boxing four days a week over the past year or so.
He was buried in Rahoon Cemetery following Mass.
